Among the many side effects of diabetes is kidney damage. Generally, diabetes affects the blood vessels in the kidneys, which hinders blood filtering that occurs when people are healthy.Often the damage is gradual, occurring over the course of several years. But the damage of blood vessels over time causes the kidneys to stop working. This only highlights the emphasis that should be placed in diabetics maintain kidney health. Luckily there are steps they can take to achieve it.
• Become analysis. According to the National Kidney Disease Information, the early stages of kidney disease are asymptomatic. It is not unusual for a person feel totally fine one day and the next you find out that your kidneys have almost stopped working.
While this seems frightening, it need not be. All it means is that for people with diabetes should undergo blood and urine for kidney problems. People with type 2 diabetes should be tested every year, while those suffering from diabetes type 1 diabetes should do it every year from the five years after the initial diagnosis.
• Keep blood pressure low. Hypertension also causes kidney disease. The kidneys help the body to control blood pressure, and is important for diabetics to keep a low pressure to prevent kidney disease. Exercise, eat healthy foods and limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine are some of the many ways to keep the pressure low.
• Monitoring cholesterol levels. When a diagnosis of diabetes, the doctor talks to the patient on various topics. The healthy cholesterol level should be part of that conversation. To maintain kidney health, it is important that the diabetic collate your cholesterol levels and keep them within the average recommended. Although the doctor will cite the appropriate level, if you do not, do not be afraid to apply. The doctor may suggest even a healthier diet to help lower "bad".
• Reduce sodium intake. Reducing salt intake is a good idea for most people, but even more in the case of people with diabetes. Excessive intake of sodium can raise blood pressure, which leads to kidney disorders.
• See a doctor. Diabetics who keep their condition under control should make regular visits to your doctor's office. As mentioned previously, the kidney damage is almost always gradual and without noticeable symptoms. Although diabetics feel they have controlled the disease may exist that ignore collateral problems. Early detection of renal impairment can hamper your progress and maintain kidney health for a longer time.
