My Diabetes Information Articles
Kidney Health in Diabetes
10/03/07
Prevention
Approximately 30 percent of people with diabetes will eventually develop kidney failure. However, there are some behaviors and treatments that help diabetics maintain low blood sugar and improve their chances of avoiding or delaying kidney disease.
Each year physicians should test their diabetic patient's urine for the presence of a protien called albumin, and their blood for a creatine rate. While the odds of developing kidney disease during the first 10 years of living with diabetes are quite low, the tests are important enough that they should be a yearly ritual.
Trace amounts of albumin in the urine are the first sign of kidney disease. It is not time to panic however because the kidneys are usually still able to function and filter blood sufficiently. And at this point many of the preventative strategies for diabetes can still keep kidney disease from advancing rapidly. Neverthelss, when subsequent tests show increasing amounts of albumin in the urine, the kidneys are not able to do their job and kidney disease is developing.
Preventing Kidney Disease
Managing blood pressure is one of the most effective ways to take care of kidneys. An ideal blood pressure goal is 130/80 mm Hg. Lifestyle adjustments like improving diet and exercise, and reducing stress are arguably the best ways to improve blood pressure. Those methods are inexpensive and few, if any, side effects. Medications are also helpful, especially when coupled with positive lifestyle changes.
Statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) , and diuetics help people prevent kidney disease. Your physician will be able to match your needs with medications that will provide you the optimum benefit. He or she will also encourage you to increase the power of your medications by supplementing with proper nutrition and exercise.
The kidney is an amazing, complex, and hardy organ. With some extra attention and care a person with diabetes may be able to avoid kidney disease altogether. Even if the disease begins to develop, the strategies outlined above are likely to help keep kidney disease at bay for a number of years.
Sources:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases