What is Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)?
Diabetic nephropathy or diabetic kidney disease is considered as one of the major complications of diabetes. It is a kidney disease that affects how the organ functions and operates within the body. If diabetes treatment is not efficient, the kidney can malfunction, leading to a toxic organ condition. Additionally, it can also lead to kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.
What are the signs of illnesses of this condition? What is the treatment available? And lastly, how can people with diabetes prevent this disease? Let us find out.
Signs and Symptoms
Some people do not experience the signs and symptoms of this condition. That is why it can be hard to diagnose the condition. However, if the kidney malfunctions, the following symptoms can appear.
- Swollen hands, feet, and legs
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Unexplained tiredness
- Dryness of the skin
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the muscles
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Mild to severe headaches
- Fatigue
As mentioned, it is hard to identify diabetic nephropathy in its early stage. However, if you have diabetes, it is wise to undergo regular check-ups to keep track of your condition. It will also help your doctor recommend a better treatment.
How does Nephropathy occur?
The kidneys work by filtering waste from our blood. If diabetes is not managed well, it can affect how the organ operates. Hypertension can happen if the blood vessels are damaged, which leads to kidney problems. You may experience Nephropathy if diabetes is not controlled properly.
Besides mismanagement of diabetes, other factors can also contribute to this condition. Some of them include obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and genetic circumstances.
What is the treatment available?
There are different ways to treat kidney disease. First is the usage of ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. These are drugs used in slowing the progress of kidney failure. Some examples of these drugs are Prinivil, Altace, and Accupril.
If the kidneys fail, a transplant may be necessary. However, before going to that option, dialysis is also available. Choosing between these two options is necessary to ensure your kidney’s health.
Prevention
There are several approaches you can follow to prevent this condition. One of them is by managing diabetes well. If diabetes management is deficient, complications can develop. By continuing diabetes treatment, you can live healthily and freely. People with diabetes must ensure they are following their prescribed diet and medication.
Secondly, keep a healthy lifestyle. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking. Get your body function by having regular exercise. Maintain a healthy body inside and out by following a strict and healthy diet.
Would you please talk with your doctor about your condition? If you experience some of the symptoms mentioned above, seek medical care immediately. Always remember that prevention is better than cure.