Diabetes-related kidney disease (aka diabetes nephropathy) is a relatively severe and serious complication of diabetes in which the kidneys lose their ability to get rid of metabolic wastes from circulating blood flowing through the kidneys. In the USA, it is a common cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Management is essential in order to preserve renal function and avoid further damage.
What is diabetic kidney disease?
Diabetic kidney disease occurs when the high levels of glucose in the blood damage the blood vessels in your kidney over years. This damage prevents the kidneys from filtering properly, resulting in waste products building up in the body. Early stages might not have prominent symptoms; hence, regular monitoring is crucial for people with diabetes.
Essential Management Approaches
Blood Sugar Control
Keeping your blood sugar levels stable is essential for preventing diabetic kidney disease and slowing its progression. You can reach this goal by regularly monitoring your health and taking your diabetes medications as prescribed.The new U.S. FDA-approved drug, Ozempic (semaglutide), helps lower the risk of kidney failure and slow kidney disease. This is better for diabetes patients with chronic kidney disease than other treatments.
Blood Pressure Management
That could damage the kidneys more if the blood pressure is high.Monitor blood pressure regularly. Doctors often prescribe antihypertensive medications, like ACE inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, to keep blood pressure in target ranges.These are drugs that lower blood pressure but also protect kidney function.
Dietary Modifications
Eating a healthy diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods can help keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels in check. These are foods that are high in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support overall health. A renal dietitian can give you dietary advice that is specific to you.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise keeps blood sugar levels in check, lowers blood pressure, and promotes a healthy weight. Methods include walking, swimming, or cycling. Exercise can be dangerous, and those with any preexisting health conditions should consult with a health care provider before starting any new exercise regimen.
Keep Away from Nephrotoxic Substances
Some drugs and substances can damage the kidneys. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, must be avoided since they can hurt kidney function. Always check with a healthcare professional before taking new medications or dietary supplements.
Regular Monitoring
Regular check-ups, such as blood tests to evaluate kidney function and urine tests to identify proteinuria, are essential. Early detection of changes in kidney function allows for timely intervention to prevent more damage.
The Responsibility of the Healthcare Profession
This is best done in collaboration with healthcare professionals, such as nephrologists, endocrinologists, and dietitians, and through a multi-disciplinary approach to diabetic kidney disease (DKD) management. They monitor progress on a continuous basis and can tailor treatment plans and next interventions accordingly.
At Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center, we emphasize a proactive and multifactorial approach to managing diabetic kidney disease. Patients can prevent kidney failure by controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, maintaining a proper kidney diet, and exercising regularly, avoiding harmful substances and undergoing consistent monitoring. Early and continuous management helps maintain kidney function and overall health.
