How Diabetes Impacts Kidney Health and What You Can Do

Diabetes isn't just high blood sugar; it's a chronic disease that can have damaging long-term effects on several of the body's organs. Kidney damage is one of the more vulnerable organs over time. If diabetes is not well controlled, damage can occur from the disease process itself, resulting in diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes and can progress to chronic kidney disease or eventually, kidney failure. 

In this article, we review the linkage of diabetes and kidney health, note signs of early problems in kidney health, and perhaps most importantly, ways to help protect our kidneys.

The Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Damage

The kidneys have important functions. They filter blood, helping with the removal of waste and extra fluids, they maintain proper blood fluid and electrolyte levels, and they help regulate blood pressure. Each kidney contains millions of small filtering units called nephrons. Over time, high blood sugar can cause blood vessel damage in these nephrons, which decreases the filtering function of the kidneys. 

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) usually progresses subtly and slowly, so it can progress unnoticed until there is significant damage.   Nearly one in three adults with diabetes will have some signs of kidney disease; it is one of the more common complications of having diabetes for a long time.

Early Warning Signs to Watch For

Kidney damage from diabetes can go unnoticed for years, which is why regular screenings are essential. Here are a few signs that may indicate kidney problems:

• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands
• Increased frequency of urination, especially at night
• Fatigue or weakness
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Foamy or bubbly urine (a sign of protein leakage)
• Difficulty concentrating

However, many people won’t experience symptoms until the later stages. That’s why periodic urine and blood tests to check kidney function are strongly recommended for all diabetics.

Risk Factors That Worsen Kidney Health in Diabetics

Several factors increase the risk of kidney disease in diabetic patients:

• Poor blood sugar control
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Family history of kidney disease
• Being over the age of 60
  
   

Even if you have diabetes, you can significantly reduce your risk of kidney complications by managing these contributing factors with lifestyle changes and medical support.

How to Protect Your Kidney Health If You Have Diabetes

The good news is there are steps you can take to delay or even prevent future worsening of diabetic kidney disease. Here are some actionable steps that you can take:

1. Control Your Blood Sugar Levels

Stay in the range that your doctor tells you. Keeping your blood glucose in range every day will alleviate stress on the kidneys in order to avoid further damage.

2. Monitor Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is another factor in kidney damage. Aim for blood pressure less than 130/80 mmHg and use medications you have been prescribed to do so.

3. Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Do not salt your food, before cooking or after cooking. Minimize processed foods, red meat and foods in high saturated fat content. Eat a balanced diet full of whole grains, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fat when it comes to diet. Consult with a renal dietitian if you show any signs of damage to kidneys already.

4. Stay Hydrated, but Don’t Overdo It

You want to drink enough water throughout the day so that you are hydrated, but do not over hydrate, especially if your kidney problem is already evident.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, which would only accelerate the progression of kidney disease. Quitting will improve vascularity and overall kidney function.

6. Get Regular Kidney Function Tests

You should ask your doctor for:

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) to find protein in urine
• Serum creatinine and eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) to get a general idea of your kidney function

When your doctor detects kidney disease early, it allows for early intervention and obtaining a better outcome

Early detection allows for timely intervention and better outcomes.

7. Take Medicines As Prescribed

Some medicines, like ACE inhibitors or ARBs, control blood pressure, but they also help protect your kidneys. Always speak to your doctor before you start or stop any medicine.

Can Kidney Damage from Diabetes Be Reversed?

Can kidney damage from Diabetes Ever Be Reversed?

When caught early, diabetic kidney disease can be slowed down or even stabilized with the right treatment, but when there is significant kidney damage (for example, Stage 3 or later), reversing is less likely. And when a person is at a stage of kidney disease advanced enough that the treatment options may be dialysis or kidney transplant, reversing the damage is not an option. Thus, it is essential to identify diabetic kidney disease appropriately and monitor it in its early stages. People delay treatment for kidney disease only because they don't 'feel it', which makes it all the more dangerous. It is a stealthy thief.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

If you have diabetes, either Type 1 or Type 2, you need to be proactive about your kidney health. Don't wait for symptoms instead, intend to have regular kidney screenings, find out what your risk factors are with your doctor, and make the changes.

Your Kidney Health is a Big Deal  GEM Hospital Will Help

At GEM Hospital, for diabetic patients, our nephrologists and endocrinologists work in partnership to protect your kidney function, using personalized care, advanced diagnostics, and early intervention methods.

Concerned about your kidney health?

Visit GEM Hospital today and take the first step to proactive diabetic care.

Book your appointment now to see our specialists.