Diabetes affects over 400 million people across the globe. This chronic metabolic disease continuously poses a threat to the overall health of individuals, causing various complications if not managed properly. Kidney disease is one of the major risks associated with diabetes, but not many people are familiar with the link between these conditions. How does diabetes damage the kidneys, and what are the ways of protecting your kidneys for diabetes patients?
How Diabetes Can Damage the Kidneys
Diabetes generally affects the body’s ability to process blood sugar or glucose. This condition either causes the body to attack its insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (type 1), makes the body resistant to insulin, or causes the pancreas to fail to produce enough insulin (type 2).
Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose to enter the cells to be used as energy. Without sufficient insulin or if the body cannot use insulin effectively, glucose collects in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes affects many organs, including the kidneys, which filter waste products in the body and excrete them through urine. The extra strain on these organs caused by diabetes can result in chronic kidney disease (CKD) which affects around 37 million adults in the country and is characterized by damaged kidneys’ gradual loss of function.
CKD can start a chain reaction in the body, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anemia, mineral and bone disorders, kidney failure, and other health problems.
Here are three ways diabetes can lead to CKD.
Hyperglycemia
When glucose levels are elevated for a long period, known as hyperglycemia, it can damage the small blood vessels within the kidneys. These organs function as large filters composed of millions of tiny units called nephrons, and prolonged exposure to high blood sugar causes these units to leak protein. As a result, kidneys become inflamed and scarred.
High Blood Pressure
Diabetes frequently translates to elevated blood pressure or hypertension, exacerbating damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys. Generally, high blood pressure impacts the larger blood vessels, creating a harmful cycle: impaired kidneys lead to increased blood pressure, which, in turn, inflicts further harm upon the kidneys.
Proteinuria
Proteinuria, or protein in the urine, occurs when the damage to the kidney filters allows proteins that should remain in the blood to pass into the urine. The presence of protein in the urine is particularly harmful to kidney tissue, as it also leads to inflammation and scarring. Over time, this effect can result in permanent and progressive damage to the kidneys.
Early Signs and Symptoms of CKD in People With Diabetes
Protecting your kidneys for diabetes patients always begins with regular checkups and screenings for early detection. These practices keep you ahead of the game, allowing for early treatment and management. If you or a loved one have diabetes, here are the early signs and symptoms of CKD:
Increased urination, particularly at night, is due to the kidneys’ inability to concentrate urine effectively.
Protein in the urine, an early sign of kidney damage, causes foamy urine similar to soap, especially in more advanced cases.
Swelling (edema) of the feet, ankle, or even face due to fluid retention from the kidney’s decreased ability to remove excess fluid from the body.
High blood pressure can be both a cause and a symptom of CKD.
Protecting Kidneys With Diabetes
Properly managing diabetes is vital for safeguarding kidney health. The more you can control your blood sugar levels, the better your chances of preventing or delaying kidney damage. Protecting your kidneys means maintaining target glucose and blood pressure levels through the following lifestyle tips:
Diet Modifications: Focus on a balanced diet. Prioritize whole and high-fiber foods and avoid excessive consumption of processed and packaged foods.
Physical Activity: Do physical activities for at least 30 minutes every day. Consistent physical activity can also support cardiovascular health.
Maintain or Achieve a Healthy Weight: Consult with a healthcare provider to determine a realistic weight goal and consider gradual changes to achieve it sustainably.
Medications proven to improve your glucose but also to prevent further progression of chronic kidney disease and to protect your heart and blood vessels.
Newer medications such as "SGLT2 inhibitors" (like Dapagliflozin or Empagliflozin), and/or a "non steroidal MRA" (such as Finerinone). Recently, studies have shown that GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (ozempic) can reduce protein loss in the urine for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
Blood Pressure Control. Patients with diabetes typically follow lower BP control target of 120/80 mmHg if tolerated.
Final Thoughts
While diabetes and CKD can make managing your health challenging, it is not impossible to be in control. At Hypertension and Kidney Health, we offer expert care to individuals eager to break free from the burden of these chronic diseases. Protecting kidneys with diabetes is one of our missions.
Explore more resources and get further information and support! Call (610) 510-7152 or schedule an appointment online and let us discuss your health concerns.
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