Diabetic nephropathy or diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a frequent and severe complication associated with diabetes. It impairs the kidneys’ waste filtering capability, resulting in a gradual decline of kidney function throughout the years. On a positive note, taking proactive measures can delay or even halt its progression.
Here at Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center, we emphasize preserving kidney function within our diabetic patients. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, knowing how Diabetic Kidney Disease develops and what steps you can take to look after your kidneys is important for maintaining your health.
What are the Causes of Diabetic Kidney Disease?
Sustained elevated blood sugar levels over an extended period can cause damage to the blood vessels within the kidneys. This results in protein leakage into urine as well as impaired renal function.
The connection between these diseases is clearly depicted on The Kidney Disease & Diabetes page at SouthernOKC. It also underlines the importance of early diagnosis which can be made with routine urine and blood tests that track changes long before severe damage occurs.
Developing Health Issues to Monitor
The early stages of DKD are often insidious and unnoticed. Unfortunately, many individuals do not pay attention until significant damage has been done to the kidneys. However, some may experience:
- Swelling in hands, feet, or periorbital regions
- Increased urinary frequency
- Urine that appears bubbly or foamy (indicative of proteinuria)
- Tiredness or lethargy
- Reduced hunger
It is crucial to monitor your health through regular check-ups and lab tests. As pointed out on the Kidney Disease & Anemia page, there is often a coexistence of anemia with kidney disease resulting in additional fatigue which remains undiagnosed.
Maintain Blood Sugar And Blood Pressure Levels
You can safeguard your kidneys when you control diabetes as well manage blood pressure levels.
Your HbA1c should be at target range and blood pressure lower than 130/80 mm Hg. The webpage Hypertension & Kidney Disease explains that high blood pressure accelerates kidney damage especially in diabetes patients.
Caremark SouthernOKC physicians prioritize their patient’s needs by helping them find suitable medications and lifestyle changes along with tailored monitoring strategies that suit their individual preferences.
Selecting a Kidney Friendly Diet
A healthy diet is beneficial for both blood sugar levels and kidney health. Here are a few recommendations to help you get started:
- Cut back on sodium and processed foods.
- Incorporate fresh vegetables and fruits (within limited portions).
- Prioritize whole grains along with lean meats.
- Avoid excessive sugar intake and sugary beverages.
The registered dietitians at Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center can aid in creating meal plans that meet your dietary needs while helping manage diabetes, as well as supporting the health of your kidneys.
Medications Matter
Certain medications used to treat diabetes may impact kidney function. Always follow the prescription directions precisely, and do not change anything without first consulting your physician. Sometimes, ACE inhibitors or ARBs are prescribed even when blood pressure is well-managed because they provide protective effects on the kidney.
With proper medication management and supervision, Diabetic Kidney Disease can be aggressively treated. The care team at SouthernOKC ensures every patient receives tailored care with safe medication oversight.
Stay active while keeping within a recommended healthy body weight range.
Regular exercise enhances sensitivity to insulin and supports optimal blood pressure readings. Simple 30-minute walks five times a week offer significant benefits to the kidneys.
Before starting any new exercise program — especially if other complications from diabetes are present — be sure to check in with your caregiver first.
Diabeties-related Kidney Disease does not necessitate progression to end stage renal disease.Through early detection and comprehensive care, including that provided by Southern OKC experts, patients can lead long, healthy lives while managing diabetes and safeguarding kidney function.
If you or someone close to you is a potential case, don’t delay—contact Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center now for proactive steps toward better caring for your kidneys.
