Introduction:
Diabetes affects more than blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys. The kidneys have millions of filtering units, which help in removing waste and excess fluid from the body. Damage to the filtering units means waste and excess fluid build up in the body. People who have diabetes can develop kidney problems such as diabetic nephropathy.
The best way to keep track of any changes in kidney health is to perform routine tests and screenings. Diabetes and hypertension increase the risk of developing chronic kidney problems and should be managed together.
The North Bangalore facility of Regal Hospital has a diabetology and nephrology center. The facility offers evaluation of kidney function, kidney biopsy, dialysis, and other services for managing diabetes-related kidney problems.
The Good News Is…
Early detection of changes to kidney function means there are opportunities for management of factors that accelerate the process and reduce the likelihood of further damage.
Factors that can contribute to diabetic kidney disease include high blood pressure, poor blood sugar control, and other health conditions.
High Blood Sugar
The longer the blood sugar levels are high, the more the filtration system of the kidney is damaged. Keeping blood sugar levels within the target range is critical for the management of kidney and diabetes complications.
High Blood Pressure
Chronic high blood pressure, in addition to diabetes, is a major cause of chronic renal failure and is an important factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease. Therefore, control of high blood pressure is essential for kidney health.
Duration of Diabetes
It is recommended that individuals with type 2 diabetes undergo renal screening and those with type 1 diabetes after five years of being diagnosed with the disease.
There are other factors that increase the risk of developing chronic renal failure, including cardiovascular disease, family history of renal disease, overweight, and smoking.
Symptoms of Diabetic Kidney Disease
In the early stages of diabetic kidney disease, there may not be any symptoms.
Later signs and symptoms of kidney failure may include:
-Swelling of feet and ankles
-Fatigue
-Loss of appetite
-Nausea
-Changes in urination
-Chest pain
-Shortness of breath
-Changing blood pressure
These symptoms are not unique to diabetic kidney disease and should not be relied on to make a diagnosis.
It is important to have kidney function tests even if you feel healthy.
How Is Diabetic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease may require blood and urine tests.
URINE ALBUMIN TO CREATININE RATIO TEST
One important test is the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Albumin is a protein that normally remains in the blood. Increased amounts of albumin in urine can be a sign of kidney damage.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that people with type 2 diabetes have their UACR and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) assessed at least once a year. People with type 1 diabetes should have their UACR and eGFR assessed at least once a year after 5 years of diagnosis.
EGFR AND BLOOD TESTS
A blood test that measures creatinine can be used to assess the filtration rate of the kidneys. This estimated filtration rate is called eGFR.
Practitioners assess both eGFR and albumin levels to assess kidney function and health and to determine management and treatment.
ADDITIONAL KIDNEY EVALUATION
Depending on the results, the nephrologist may recommend additional tests. In certain cases where the cause of kidney disease is not known, a kidney biopsy may be recommended.
Regal Hospital’s nephrology department lists kidney biopsy as a specialty.
HOW IS DIABETIC NEPHROPATHY MANAGED?
There is no treatment that will work for everybody. Treatment depends on different factors, like blood sugar levels, blood pressure, kidney function, urine albumin, other health conditions, and medications the patient is already taking.
TREATMENT OF BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS
Control of blood sugar levels is very important to prevent worsening of kidney disease. Your diabetes specialist can determine glucose control targets and treatment based on your condition.
Blood Pressure Control
As a result of the combination of diabetes and kidney disease, blood pressure control is of particular importance.
For people with diabetes and hypertension and albuminuria, health care professionals may prescribe ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs). However, caution is necessary, and kidney function and potassium levels need to be monitored.
Some newer diabetic medications may provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. SGLT2 inhibitors may be prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease based on the findings of kidney function tests, urine and blood glomerular protein tests, and other clinical and laboratory parameters.
These medications are not for all patients, and a diabetologist or nephrologist needs to take a call on the use of the medication.
Long-term Management of Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Apart from the medications, several other lifestyle changes and management practices may also be prescribed.
Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet
Managing your blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and heart health may require many changes in your diet. These changes may include recommendations to restrict salt intake, protein intake, and fluid intake.
A dietitian may be of great help to plan meals according to your health conditions.
Exercise
Being physically active may help improve diabetes and heart health. Consult your health professional on types of activities and their intensity that are safe for you to undertake.
Smoking Cessation
Smoking increases health risks for the heart and kidneys. If you smoke, speak to your health care professional about ways to quit.
Take Medicines as Prescribed
Do not make changes to your diabetes, blood pressure, or kidney medicines without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor will change your medicine based on your health and lab results.
When Should You See a Nephrologist?
If you have diabetes, talking with your doctor about kidney screening is a good idea, especially if you have had diabetes for a long time and high blood pressure.
If test results show there is albumin in your urine, your eGFR is going down, your kidney function is getting worse, or there are other test results that are abnormal, you may want to think about seeing a nephrologist.
It is important to see a nephrologist to find the reason your kidneys are changing and to see if this is related to diabetes or if there is a different reason your kidneys are changing.
For patients looking for diabetic nephropathy in Bangalore, Regal Hospital offers services for assessment and management of kidney disease as part of nephrology services.
Diabetes and Kidney Care at Regal Hospital
Regal Hospital is an advanced multispecialty and kidney-care hospital in North Bangalore with departments of nephrology and diabetology. The hospital supports patients with diabetes and associated kidney complications.
The hospital’s diabetology department supports diabetes diagnosis and management and medication management and provides diagnostic evaluations and nutritional counseling. It identifies kidney complications of diabetes, such as nephropathy.
The nephrology department of Regal Hospital, Bangalore, evaluates and treats all kidney disorders and performs kidney biopsy, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis.
For the population of North Bangalore, the hospital is situated at Tirumanahalli along the Thanisandra-Yelahanka corridor. It serves patients from Thanisandra, Hennur and Yelahanka, Hebbal, and nearby areas.
Patients in search of a diabetes specialist at Regal Hospital, Thanisandra, can get diabetes and kidney-related specialist services in a multispecialty hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is diabetic nephropathy?
Answer: Diabetic nephropathy is kidney damage associated with diabetes. It can develop gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Blood and urine tests can help detect and monitor kidney problems.
- Can diabetic kidney disease be prevented or slowed?
Answer: Managing blood sugar and blood pressure, following prescribed treatment, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and attending regular kidney screenings can help reduce the risk of kidney complications and may slow progression when kidney disease is present.
- When should a person with diabetes see a nephrologist?
Answer: A nephrologist may be recommended when urine tests show persistent albumin or protein, kidney-function tests are abnormal, blood pressure is difficult to control, or other signs of kidney disease are present.
- Can someone with diabetes also develop kidney stones?
Answer: Yes. Diabetic nephropathy and kidney stones are separate conditions, and a person with diabetes can develop kidney stones. Severe side or back pain, blood in urine, vomiting, or difficulty passing urine should be medically evaluated.
- What treatments are available for kidney stones?
Answer: Depending on the stone, treatment may include observation and medicines, ESWL, ureteroscopy with laser treatment, or surgery. A urologist can recommend the appropriate option after evaluating the stone’s size, location, and the patient’s health.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Call us today: +91 888 405 8888.
Visit us: Near Thanisandra-Yelahanka Road, Bengaluru
Learn more: www.regalhospital.com
