Diabetes is a significant cause of organ failure, one of it being a kidney. Diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy is a condition that results in kidney failure or damage as a result of diabetes. It occurs when blood vessels and cells in the kidney fail as a result of diabetes, leading to improper functioning of the kidney. A study shows that over 40% of people with diabetes (both type 1 and 2) suffer from kidney failure.
Causes of Diabetic Kidney Disease
Significant causes of diabetic kidney disease:
Diabetic (type 1 and 2)
The kidney plays a vital role in the excretion of waste products from the body. It comprises millions of blood vessels known as nephrons, and each nephron consists of filter vessels. Each filter plays a crucial role in the excretion process; for example, the glomerulus helps filter blood while the tubule removes waste from the blood and restores valuable substances in the body.
A high level of blood sugar (diabetes) in the body leads to high blood pressure. These create unstable environments for the filters to perform their functions. High blood pressure exacts too much pressure on the vessels, thus damaging them and leading to kidney failure. Alternatively, studies suggest that cannabis can be beneficial in controlling diabetes. One can also use cannabis from online dispensaries in Canada, which would help regulate the spike in insulin levels, hence controlling diabetes.
Hypertension or high blood pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is the second leading cause of kidney failure. High blood pressure (HBP) causes weakening, narrowing, and hardening of the blood vessels (arteries), leading to insufficient blood supply to the kidney. It leads to the damage and weakening of the nephrons, resulting in malfunctioning of the kidneys.
High Level of Cholesterol in the Blood
The presence of a high level of cholesterol in the blood has a lot of effects on the kidneys. High levels of cholesterol result in blockage of the blood vessels that supply blood to various parts of the organ. The insufficient blood supply in the kidney results in kidney failure due to distorted nephrons.
According to a study, a history of kidney and diabetes in the family may increase the chances of one experiencing or suffering from kidney failure.
Smoking and diabetics nephropathy
Cigarette smoking can cause damage to the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure.
Diabetic nephropathy poses a lot of complications when it occurs for an extended period. For example, cardiovascular diseases, anemia, erectile dysfunction, fluid retention leading to swelling of feet, Pregnancy disorder, end-stage kidney disorder, or irreversible kidney damage.
Signs and symptoms of diabetic kidney disease
Diabetic nephropathy is a silent disease that at first may fail to get noticed, but if anyone is suffering from it, they should consider looking out for these signs:
- Presence of protein in the urine (Microalbuminuria)
- Constant urination
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- It was swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles.
- Lack of appetite
Ways of reversing damages to kidney
To reduce the risk of diabetic kidney disease, the following are steps to consider:
Regulating Blood sugar level
Keeping the blood sugar level at a considerable rate can help treat diabetic nephropathy. To facilitate this, one should take into account the following steps:
- The quantity of carbohydrate intake in the body- Excessive intake of carbs slows down glycolysis, leading to increased glucose levels.
- Intake of food rich in fiber- Food rich in fiber, such as vegetables, whole grains, and fruits, helps manage and improve blood sugar levels in the body.
- Controlling stress –stress affects the level of sugar in the blood. When one is undergoing stress, the body produces hormones such as cortisol, which causes the level of blood sugar to go up.
- Manage and monitor blood sugar – Constant blood sugar monitoring helps track diabetes, thus helping manage diabetic nephropathy.
Regulating high blood pressure
High blood pressure creates an unconducive environment for the body to perform well. Organs like the heart and kidney depend on the blood supply to perform well; hypertension may limit these. A study shows that exercise and eating the right diet can help lower HBP. Intake of medicines such as triazide speeds up the process of diuresis in the body, thus lowering high blood pressure.
Lowering the level of cholesterol in the body
Both HDL and LDL cholesterol require monitoring for better functioning of the body. High levels of LDL cholesterol and diabetes in the body affect the operation of the kidneys, thus leading to diabetic kidney disease. Steroids aid in fat loss in the body. One can buy top-quality drugs from reliable sources that are efficient in fat loss, thus facilitating the lowering of cholesterol in the body.
Avoid Smoking
Cigarette causes kidney damage. To avoid such, one should develop ways to curb these, such as counseling, engaging in social or community development projects, aiding in quitting smoking, etc.
Diet
Changing diet can help with kidney disease. A diet rich in fiber, like amazon magnesium glycinate, helps regulate blood sugar, which facilitates lowering kidney disorders.
Conclusion
Improving and regulating blood sugar and hypertension levels is the key to reversing kidney disorders in the body. Diet, medication, and exercise are the main ways of reversing kidney damage from diabetes.