What is Diabetic Nephropathy?
Diabetes nephropathy in a common language is a kidney failure as a result of diabetes.
Diabetes nephropathy usually happens when you have high blood pressure and your sugar level is not controlled. Most of the diabetic patients have damaged kidney cells after some years of being diabetic.Protein involved in diabetic nephropathy is called albumin and the condition when protein starts showing in blood is called proteinuria or albuminuria. If the amount of albumin in blood is not treated it can lead to kidney failure.
Symptoms of diabetic nephropathy
Initially there is no such symptoms. As it becomes severe the patient may have reduced urination , fatigue, high blood potassium levels which can lead to heart rhythm problems.
Diagnosing diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy diagnosis should start within 5 years of type1 diabetes and for type 2 diabetes within 1 year of diagnosis.
You will be evaluated by history , examination, blood and urine tests and also ultra sound for kidney.
On rare occasions patients with proteinuria may need a more invasive test, such as a kidney biopsy.
Treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Have a low -fat diet , do exercises regularly , quit smoking and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
The condition of albuminuria can be reversed by taking blood pressure medications such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers which lowers blood pressure . A blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is ideal for diabetics patients.
Keep your blood sugar level in control by taking insulin and other proper medicines.The target A1C level (a measure of average blood sugar levels during the last few months) for a patient with diabetic nephropathy is less than 7%.
Lower your cholesterol level and prevent obesity. Reducing the intake of protein rich diet can prevent the progression of nephropathy.
Once it is determined that albuminuria is present in your urine , it is advisable to consult a nephrologist who will measure your Glomerular Filtration Rate( GFR) , which indicates how your kidney is working . You should go for GFR every year .Consult your nephrologist and follow his suggestions…….. as he knows what is best for you !
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by on 21. Jan, 2010 in Diabetes Complications
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