Diabetes and Kidney Failure
Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes develop kidney disease.
Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are high due to insufficient insulin production or improper utilization of insulin by the body. Diabetes can greatly affect our overall health, including our kidneys.
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy or kidney disease is a complication of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy affects the kidneys’ ability to remove waste products and extra fluid from the body.
Diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney failure. High blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a condition called diabetic nephropathy, which if left untreated, can progress to kidney failure. Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease, is a life-threatening condition.
High blood pressure, that is often present in people with diabetes, can also damage the kidneys.
Symptoms and prevention
In the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, there might not be symptoms. In later stages, symptoms may include:
- Swelling of feet, ankles, hands or eyes.
- High blood pressure that gets harder to control.
- Confusion or difficulty thinking.
- Shortness of breath.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Itching.
- Tiredness and weakness.
- Frequent urination.
- Protein in the urine.
- Changes in urine output.
The best way to prevent or delay diabetic nephropathy is through a healthy lifestyle and the management of diabetes and high blood pressure by keeping it under control. If you have diabetes, it is recommended to get your kidney function checked once a year.
