Diabetic Kidney Disease: Treatment & Slowing Its Progress

The most common diabetes consequence, affecting millions of individuals globally, is diabetic kidney disease (DKD), also known as diabetic nephropathy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, in extreme situations, renal failure are the outcomes of the disease's progressive kidney damage. To cure DKD, the greatest medical care, lifestyle modifications, and early detection are required. To help individuals understand and efficiently manage diabetic kidney disease, we will discuss its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy in this blog. You can receive individualized therapy and enhance kidney health outcomes by speaking with doctors at the best kidney hospital in Noida if you're searching for professional care.

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Symptoms of Diabetic Kidney Disease

There will be no outward signs of DKD at the start of the course. When the illness first manifests, the following should become apparent:
 

• Edema or Swelling: The accumulation of fluid in the face, feet, ankles, and legs as a result of abnormal kidney function.
   
• Foamy Urine: An indication of kidney impairment is an excess of protein (albumin) in the urine.
   
• Frequent Urination: Particularly at night (nocturia), when the kidneys are unable to adequately filter out waste.
   
• Weakness and Fatigue: Brought on by an accumulation of blood toxins and anemia.
   
• High Blood Pressure: Renal impairment that exacerbates high blood pressure.
   
• Loss of Appetite and Nausea: Brought on by the body's waste products building up.

Causes of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Chronic diabetes, a hallmark of diabetes, causes DKD. The following are some of the main variables, such as:
 

• Hyperglycemia: Chronically elevated blood glucose levels harm the kidneys' small blood capillaries, impairing the kidneys' capacity to filter blood.
   
• Hypertension: By putting undue strain on the delicate filtration mechanism, high blood pressure accelerates kidney injury.
   
• Genetic Factors: People who have a family history of renal disease are more likely to get DKD.
   
• Aspects of Lifestyle: Smoking, obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity can all exacerbate diabetic kidney disease.
   
• Oxidative stress and inflammation cause kidney function to steadily decline over time.

Diagnosis of Diabetic Kidney Disease

It is crucial to recognize DKD early in order to prevent renal failure. The tests that are most frequently used include:
 

• Tests of Urine:

-The albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) is a sensitive indication of kidney impairment that quantifies the quantity of protein in urine.

-Urinalysis: Checks urine for anomalies such as blood, glucose, and protein.

• Blood Examinations:

-Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): Classifies CKD and estimates renal function.

-Serum Creatinine: Levels are higher when renal function is compromised.
 

• Blood Pressure Measurement: One risk factor and indicator of DKD is chronic hypertension.
   
• Imaging Studies: CT or ultrasound scans evaluate the kidney's structure and spot any anomalies.
   
• Kidney Biopsy: Rarely performed, it determines the degree of the damage by taking a small sample of kidney tissue.

Treating and Managing Chronic Kidney Disease

What is the treatment for chronic renal disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot be cured, but it can be effectively managed, kidney function can be maintained, and the disease's progression can be slowed down with appropriate diabetic nephropathy treatment. Do the following if your kidney function has declined:
 

• Frequent Health Examinations: To monitor kidney function, see your physician or nephrologist regularly.
   
• Handling Diabetes: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar under control.
   
• Awareness of Medication: Avoid taking painkillers and other drugs that could weaken your kidneys further.
   
• Blood Pressure Control: Reduce the strain on the kidneys by maintaining blood pressure under control.
   
• Kidney-Friendly Diet: Eat foods that lower cholesterol, and limit protein, salt, and potassium.
   
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Quit smoking, exercise daily, and maintain a healthy weight.

Medications for Kidney Disease

Many CKD patients are prescribed medication to control the cause and complications associated with it. Your nephrologist may prescribe:
 

• ACE Inhibitors or ARBs: Assist in reducing blood pressure and maintaining kidney function.
   
• Phosphate Binders: Decrease levels of phosphate when kidneys can no longer filter it out.
   
• Diuretics: Assist in the removal of excess body fluids.
   
• Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs: Lower the risk for heart disease.
   
• Erythropoietin Therapy: Assists in increasing the production of red blood cells when there is anemia.
   
• Vitamin D and Calcitriol: Prevent bone loss caused by mineral imbalance.

Kidney Dialysis: A Life-Saving Treatment

If kidney function worsens to end-stage kidney disease, dialysis is necessary to eliminate waste and excess fluid. Two kinds of dialysis:

Hemodialysis:
 

• The machine cleans the blood to take out toxins and excess fluid.
   
• Usually requires four-hour treatments, three times a week.

Peritoneal Dialysis:
 

• A special solution is pumped into the abdomen to soak up waste.
   
• Waste-containing fluid is drained and fresh solution is pumped in.
   
• Performed manually (CAPD) or on an overnight machine (CCPD).

Kidney Transplant: The Permanent Solution

A kidney transplant involves replacing a diseased kidney with a donor kidney. Donor types include:
 

• Living Donors: Usually a relative or friend becomes a kidney donor. It is possible to lead a healthy life with one kidney.
   
• Deceased Donors: Organs from donors are matched to recipients carefully.

Waiting three to five years is common for a kidney from a deceased donor, but receiving a kidney from a living donor can cut waiting time considerably.

Is It Possible to Prevent Kidney Disease?

Regular checkups and appropriate medical care are the first steps in preventing kidney disease. Since approximately one in three Americans are at risk of developing kidney disease, prevention and early detection are crucial. Individuals who are at a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to diabetes should be regularly screened. Take the following actions to lower your risk:
 

• Order High Blood Pressure: Control your blood pressure to avoid kidney injury.
   
• Control Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels within normal ranges to support kidney function.
   
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Keep your kidneys healthy by eating a diet low in processed foods, fat, and sodium.
   
• Give Up Smoking: Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and affect their function over time.
   
• Stay Active: On most weekdays, spend at least 30 minutes a day exercising to maintain overall health.
   
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintain a healthy weight to lower your risk of renal disease.
   
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers with caution: Only take over-the-counter pain medicines as directed by a physician to avoid kidney harm.
   
• Limit Alcohol Consumption: Because excessive alcohol usage can damage the kidneys, avoid or cut back on alcohol consumption at all costs.

You may reduce your chance of kidney disease and maintain the healthiest kidneys for the rest of your life by taking these preventive measures.

Professional Nephrologists to Treat Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) necessitates expert care and a comprehensive treatment plan. Our nephrologists are committed to assisting patients in achieving optimal kidney conditions and slowing the advancement of diabetic renal disease.

Our Experts:
 

• Dr. Sameer Tawakley: In order to maximize kidney function and general health, Dr. Tawakley develops individualized treatment strategies for patients with diabetes-related chronic kidney disease (CKD).
   
• Dr. Udit Gupta: Diabetic nephropathy patients are continuously monitored by Dr. Udit Gupta in order to preserve renal function, avoid complications, and regulate blood sugar levels.
   
• Dr. Navin Jha: Board-certified to treat both acute and chronic renal disease, as well as kidney disease linked to diabetes, Dr. Navin Jha uses innovative treatments, lifestyle modifications, and patient education to maximize long-term results.

Our nephrologists combine state-of-the-art therapies, lifestyle changes, and continuous monitoring to provide patients with the finest care available for diabetic kidney disease. For individualized care and long-term kidney health, people looking for professional treatment can speak with experts at a famous renal hospital in Noida.

Conclusion

A dangerous side effect of diabetes that can lead to renal failure if untreated is diabetic kidney disease. However, its advancement can be postponed with medication, dietary changes, and early identification. Effective management of DKD requires regular medical checkups, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and drug adherence. Taking preventative measures is essential if you or a loved one has diabetes in order to protect kidney function and general health.

FAQs about Diabetic Kidney Disease

1. How is diabetic kidney disease distinct from other kidney diseases?
Ans: As opposed to other kidney diseases, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is caused directly by sustained elevated blood sugar levels, which cause progressive kidney damage due to diabetes. It occurs mostly quietly for years and is usually accompanied by elevated blood pressure.

2. Is diabetic kidney disease reversible if it is caught early?
Ans: Although DKD is irreversible to a certain extent, early detection and effective management—such as control of blood glucose, drug and diet, and lifestyle modifications—can significantly delay its onset and prevent its complications.

3. What dietary changes must I make if I have diabetes?
Ans: A diet that restricts salt, processed foods, and high-protein consumption and emphasizes high-fiber, antioxidant foods such as leafy vegetables, berries, and whole grains is a kidney-friendly diet. A personalized meal plan can be created with the help of a nephrologist or dietitian.

4. How frequently should diabetic patients have kidney function tests?
Ans: Individuals with diabetes must have their kidney function checked every year by doing urine (ACR) and blood (GFR) tests. Individuals with kidney disease or those who are at risk may need more frequent tests.

5. Does high blood pressure make diabetic kidney disease worse?
Ans: Yes. Untreated high blood pressure places extra stress on the kidneys, speeding damage. Treatment of blood pressure with diet modification and drugs such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs is indicated to retard DKD development.

6. Is there a pre-kidney failure warning sign in diabetic patients?
Ans: At early stages, DKD is mute. However, when the disease is progressing, the symptoms such as edema, foamy urine, tiredness, and nocturnal frequent urination are manifestations of declining renal function.

7. Under what conditions should diabetic kidney disease receive dialysis?
Ans: Dialysis is indicated in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with diminished functioning capacity to less than 15%. Dialysis or renal transplant must be provided to a patient with severe renal failure.