Type 2 Diabetes – Diabetes And Kidney Problems

Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in themselves are a serious matter, but so are some of the complications diabetes can bring on. Kidney problems are one such complication. For people with diabetes of either sex, kidney disease can develop slowly over a number of years, leading to devastating results.

Almost one-third of all new victims of end-stage renal disease are diabetic. Diabetes happens to be the major underlying cause of kidney failure. In end-stage renal disease, or diabetic nephropathy, the main early symptom is increased urinary protein or albumin. It is estimated that up to half of those who suffer from Type 2 diabetes will eventually develop this condition.

High blood sugar is the root of the problem. Excess sugar in the bloodstream causes damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys and impairs the filtering process and may eventually lead to kidney failure. The kidneys contain millions of small blood vessels, known as capillaries, which act as filters. During the digestion of protein, your body creates waste products, which are filtered by the kidneys. Useful substances, like protein stay in the blood but the body cannot store excessive protein. Unfortunately, in people with diabetes, the kidneys are under stress due to the diabetic condition itself.

The first sign of kidney disease is the increased excretion of albumin (a type of protein) in the urine. This can easily be detected with a urine test. You may also experience:

• fluid retention and swelling in the limbs,
• nausea,
• heartburn,
• fatigue,
• headaches,
• high blood pressure,
• itching,
• frequent urination during the night, and
• a metal taste in the mouth.

Individuals will also likely feel tired or sickly and have a decreased appetite.

A big problem of kidney disease is it is slow in progression. It often takes up to a decade for symptoms to really become noticeable. By then, damage has likely occurred. This is why prevention is the only safe measure.

Steps you can take:

1. Have your kidneys checked regularly. Kidney function can be accurately assessed by measuring the amount of protein breakdown products found both in your blood and urine. Blood levels of urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine rise when the kidneys are failing.

2. Keep your blood sugar levels in check. Many studies have shown those who receive intensive insulin therapy are less likely to develop diabetic nephropathy.

3. Keep your blood pressure under control. To help prevent kidney damage, your blood pressure must remain below 130/80. Hypertension is a major cause of kidney problems and can also accelerate the progress of kidney failure.

4. Avoid painkillers. Pills such as aspirin or acetaminophen may also cause damage to your kidneys.

5. Restrict your protein intake. Ingesting large quantities of protein can cause injury to the kidneys and accelerate the development of diabetic nephropathy. A low-protein diet can reduce protein loss in the urine and increase the amount of protein that stays in the blood.