Diabetes, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Special Populations

Diabetes and chronic are global public health issues in today’s time. The risk of diabetes in the elderly, children, adolescents and pregnant women also alters kidney function. Screening and medical interventions are necessary for both diabetes and chronic kidney disease among the population at a greater risk. Patients with diabetes should be screened annually for chronic kidney disease. The development of chronic kidney disease is affected by too much sugar in the blood. If you have type 1 diabetes, begin screening within 4 to 5 years and at the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is likely to progress at a faster rate.

Likely your risk of kidney disease increases, if you have diabetes and:

•    Smoke
•    don’t follow a healthy eating plan
•    Consume foods high in salt and sugar
•    are not physically active
•    have heart disease
•    are obese
•    have kidney failure in your family line

The diagnostic tests checks for microalbuminuria, albumin to creatinine ratio, and glomerular filtration rate. eGFR alone is not the only screening test for CKD in diabetes as other factors are also responsible. To check for microalbuminuria, make sure to have repeated tests as several temporary conditions also invalidate urine albumin excretion. You only require treatment when repeated positive results show up in the test reports.

Healthcare should encourage the adoption of a healthy lifestyle in patients. Major reforms in the lifestyle include monitoring nutrition, weight control, exercise, walking, and smoking cessation. Interventions targeted at high-risk populations are needed to be implemented right away to reduce the risk of diabetic complications, including kidney failure. Poor access to care in the form of chronic kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda is associated with poor outcomes. Although diabetes and CKD management follow the same principles, children and adolescents, as well as the elderly, follow different principles. Diabetes and CKD are more prevalent in children and adolescents. However, progression is still slow in DKD patients. Children and adolescents are more likely to get rid of microalbuminuria.

Preventive measures to prevent kidney disease if you have diabetes?

• Reach your blood glucose goals

The healthcare professional will test A1C to show your average blood glucose level over the past three months. The A1C test is done with the help of a blood test. The higher your A1C number, it means your blood sugar levels have been higher during the past three months. The A1C goal for people with high blood sugar levels is below 7 percent. By making certain changes, you can reach your blood sugar goals and help protect your kidneys.

• Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the wall of the blood vessels. High blood pressure makes your kidneys work with more efficiency, and so you may get kidney disease and heart attack. If you consult a healthcare team, they will help reach your blood pressure goals. The blood pressure goal for people already with high blood sugar should be below 140/90 mm Hg. To reach your adequate blood pressure goals, cut down salt from your diet, and stop alcohol consumption.

• Develop or live a healthy lifestyle

Healthy lifestyle habits can help meet blood glucose and blood sugar goals. Follow these steps below to help keep your kidneys healthy.

•    Quit smoking.
•    Get yourself a dietitian who can develop a diabetes meal plan for you.
•    Limit salt and sodium.
•    Make physical activity part of your health routine.
•    Get to a healthy weight.
•    Get enough sleep.

• Take medications

When you have diabetes, it is important to be regular on your treatment plan. Your health care will prescribe medicine according to your specific needs and you need to stick to those medications for a lifetime.

Disclaimer: The purpose of the content on this page is not to substitute any professional medical advice but to only provide information to the reader. If the reader is a kidney patient, we recommend not making any diet or routine changes without consulting his/her doctor or dietitian. For appointments, call at our 24×7 helpline: +91-9821929797 or visit www.karmaayurvedahospital.com.