The kidneys are another of the organs that are affected when you have diabetes and do not take care of yourself.The complication suffered by this organ is called "diabetic nephropathy" and if it is severe, it can cause your kidneys to stop working.
From the moment you receive the news that you have diabetes, the doctor will be very emphatic in indicating that you should take care of yourself.Controlling your glucose (sugar) levels in the blood and keeping them within healthy levels is the key to avoid the complications of diabetes, which affect several organs of the body such as the heart and blood vessels;the eyes;The nerves;The teeth and gums and of course, the kidneys.
How does your kidneys affect diabetes?
Many people wonder this, because at first glance it would seem that one thing has nothing to do with the other.To understand how the so -called "diabetic nephropathy" arises, it is a good idea to explain what the functioning of the kidneys is and how dobees uncontrolled comes to harm them to the point they stop working.
The kidneys fulfill a task that is not easy and that could be compared to a complex reprocessing machine.Every day they purify about 190 liters of blood to filter 1.9 liters of waste and excess water that become urine and are stored by the bladder.
The waste is formed as a result of the normal decomposition of the tissues and the food we consume.Once the body takes what needs food to make energy and repair tissues, waste is sent through blood.If the kidneys did not filter these waste, they would accumulate in the blood and the body would be intoxicated.
The filtration of waste occurs in small "units" that are inside the kidneys and are called "nephrons."Each of your kidneys has approximately one million nephrons, and there, a small blood vessel (capillary) known as a glomerulus joins a small tube that collects the urine called a tubule and a complex exchange of chemical substances occurs as thewaste and water leave the blood and enter the urinary system (of urine).Don't you think that this pair of bean -shaped organs do?
When it has diabetes, the body cannot use glucose properly.Then, it stays in the bloodstream (in the blood) and instead of decomposing, it acts as a poison that damages the nephrons.And as you could realize, nephrons are indispensable for the kidneys to work.If they stop working, it is necessary to resort to dialysis, an artificial procedure that is used to filter the blood.
It doesn't sound fun at all, because it is not.
What are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy?
Unfortunately, this condition does not give symptoms in its early stage.Therefore, it is very important that you take urine exams regularly to detect the presence of albumin protein.This is the first indicator that there is damage to the kidneys.If it is detected early you are still in time to save your kidneys.
If you have type 1 diabetes, do the urine test every year if you have had diabetes for 5 years.
If your child has diabetes, regular exams must start in puberty.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you must take urine exams once a year from the moment they diagnose you with diabetes.
When the damage to the kidneys because of the nephropathy is remarkable, your blood pressure rises and you will begin to feel inflammation (swelling) especially on the feet and legs.Cholesterol and triglycerides also increase their levels remarkably.
How can diabetic nephropathy be treated?
The main treatment is to takemedications to lower blood pressure such as ACE or arb inhibitors.
Your doctor and you will have to design a plan to maintain your blood pressure levels below 130/80, as well as low cholesterol levels.For this you must carry a low fat diet, reduce sodium (salt) and be attentive to protein consumption since they make your kidneys work twice.Exercise is also key to regulating your blood pressure and cholesterol.It is very likely that it also calls you medication for cholesterol, if you don't take them now.
Can you prevent diabetic nephropathy or kidney damage?
Of course!From the moment they diagnose you with diabetes, you must maintain glucose levels under control through a healthy diet, maintaining your ideal weight and exercising regularly.As I say, they are the 3 keys to the health success of patients with diabetes, combined with regular visits to your doctor and quitting smoking.
Don't neglect!Your kidneys have a very important task and are a treasure that you must value before it is late.
