High blood sugar can be fatal for kidneys; ten warning signs of diabetic nephropathy
New Delhi: People who have diabetes are always advised to be extra careful of their lifestyle and diet. However, despite all the precautions, high blood sugar affects various organs and their ability to perform their bodily tasks properly.
According to health experts, high blood sugar attacks the functioning of kidneys the most, causing diabetic nephropathy, a serious disease that is left untreated or ignored can even be fatal.
What is diabetic nephropathy?
The Mayo Clinic says one in three people in the United States is living with diabetic nephropathy, which affects kidneys' ability to do their usual work of removing waste products and extra fluid from the body.
Health experts say that over the years, the condition slowly damages the kidneys' delicate filtering system, and it progresses to kidney failure which is a life-threatening condition.
The best way to delay diabetic nephropathy are by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet and getting regular check-ups done.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms that you can check in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy include:
1.Fluctuating blood pressure control which worsens with time
2.High levels of protein in the urine
3.Chronic swelling in feet, ankles, hands, or eyes
4.Increased need to urinate
5.Reduced need for insulin or diabetes medicine
6.Confusion or difficulty concentrating
7.Dizziness and nausea
8.Breathlessness
9.Loss of appetite and weight loss
10.Itching all over the body.
How is diabetic nephropathy caused?
According to John Hopkins Medicine, high blood pressure contributes most directly to diabetic nephropathy and as the disease progresses, physical changes take place in the kidneys that often lead to increased blood pressure.
Uncontrolled hypertension can make the progress toward stage five diabetic nephropathy occur more rapidly. If you are living with diabetes, there are many factors that up your chance of the ailment, that include:
- Uncontrolled high
-blood sugar
- Uncontrolled high
- blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Obesity and being
- overweight
- Family history.
*How to prevent diabetic nephropathy?*
To reduce your risk of developing diabetic nephropathy:
*Monitor blood sugar regularly:* It is important to check all your vitals, including blood sugar levels and blood pressure levels regularly, and see a doctor in case you are not able to control either of these.
*Follow instructions on over-the-counter medications:* Never self-medicate and in serious conditions like diabetes always make sure to follow instructions on the packages of nonprescription pain relievers such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
*Maintain a healthy weight: If* you are obese, make sure to exercise and follow a healthy diet to lose weight. Be more physically active.
*Stop smoking:* Cigarette smoking is not only injurious to general health but also damages kidneys and lungs. Take professional help and therapy if needed to quit smoking.
*Disclaimer:* Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.