Kidney care in DIABETES MELLITUS

Diabetes mellitus can affect kidneys called diabetic nephropathy .

It develops slowly over many years but can be present at the time of diagnosis

If spotted early it can be managed and complications can be halted

Unfortunately , high blood sugars can affect blood vessels everywhere including kidneys.  This causes leak of various proteins into urine and damage to kidneys.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease ?

It is very important to check yearly for diabetes nephropathy as one may not have these symptoms early in the course of the disease .

1. Swollen ankles , feet and knees
2. Blood in pee
3. Feeling tired all the time
4. Nausea and vomiting
5.  Shortness of breath

How can Diabetic nephropathy be reduced ?

1. Keep your blood sugars within range .Target HbA1c below 6.5 or 48 mmol/mol
2. Stop smoking
3. Keep your blood pressure under control
4. Take healthy diet and exercise regularly
5. Take your medicine regularly
6. Your doctor may prescribe you medicine that can lower the risk of diabetic nephropathy called ACE inhibitors
7. You may need to lower salt intake  and potassium containing fruit to prevent complications of the disease
8. Your doctor may switch to Insulin .Do not delay insulin treatment when prescribed
9. You may need to take precautions as in advanced renal disease the patients have a risk of hypoglycemia (lower blood sugars ) so close follow up with your doctor is very important

To conclude take healthy diet , control meticulously blood sugars by appropriate medicine and screen for diabetic retinopathy annually .