How Diabetes Can Lead to Kidney Disease: Causes & Prevention

What is Diabetes?

The chronic ailment which is characterized by an increase in blood-sugar levels is termed as Diabetes. It occurs when the body cannot produce insulin effectively. Diabetes, though primarily focused on the regulation of blood, has extremely adverse effects overall too which include other organs such as kidneys as well. Diabetic kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a diabetes complication that is oftentimes called DKD which is one of the most prominent and common causes of chronic kidney disease in this day and age. The best Ayurvedic kidney treatment focuses on managing blood sugar for an effective cure.

How Diabetes Impacts the Kidneys?

The kidneys contain nephrons which are responsible for filtering blood and extracting out waste alongside unnecessary liquids. These can further damage the fragile filters which will result in the kidneys being unable to perform adequately, especially when paired with the high blood sugar levels

Each element stated contributes to damage to the organism in one way or another:

Elevated Glucose Levels: The high glucose levels, if one knows the reason, work as a direct cause for damage inflicted to the blood vessels. The blood vessels connected to the kidney get damaged. Subsequently, the filtration process performed by the kidney gets severely impaired.
Hypertension: An individual who suffers from diabetes is often diagnosed with high blood pressure and if untreated, this causes the kidneys to further get strained and leads to damage.
Inflammatory and oxidative stress: The damage endured by kidney tissue is also a result of inflammation at a chronic level and those harmful molecules paired with it.
Proteins such as albumin: Glomeruli, when damaged lose the ability to filter proteins effectively leading to the leakage of proteins like albumin, also known as proteinuria.

Factors Leading to Diabetic Kidney Damage

While diabetes may lead individuals to kidney ailments, some individuals may not suffer from it. These are some of the reasons which put people at higher risk:

Diabetes Duration: The risk of kidney complications rises as the number of years with diabetes increases.
Uncontrolled Blood Pressure: Many people who have diabetes suffer from high blood pressure which increases the chances of developing kidney diseases.
Family History: If family members have suffered from kidney diseases, then there is a likelihood of the person being affected too.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, being overweight, and consuming a lot of fast food increases the risk as well.

Diabetes Kidney Damage Indicators

Initially, the diabetic kidney damage does not display symptoms but over time this can lead to:

Swelling of the hands, face, and feet because of excessive fluid.
Weakness alongside fatigue.
Vomiting alongside nausea.
Lowered ability to focus.
Change in quantity of urination.

Prevention

Prevention of diabetic kidney damage is achievable by making sure the blood sugar level and blood pressure are maintained at optimal levels, through the following means:

For blood sugar management: Engaging in periodic blood monitoring and intake of the stipulated diabetes medications or insulin will help achieve maximum control.
For blood pressure: Make sure the blood pressure does not go beyond 140/90 mmHg.

Treatment Options

If diabetic kidney disease progresses, treatment focuses on slowing down the progression of the disease and managing complications:

Dietary Changes: Working with a dietitian for a curated diet low in protein, sodium, and potassium intake.
Medications: Adjusting medications to manage blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Dialysis or Transplant: In advanced stages of kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.

In addition to the treatment options mentioned above, natural treatment for this health disorders has also gained traction. Karma Ayurveda Hospital, for example, offers completely herbal treatment for heightened blood glucose levels. Karma Ayurveda, led by Dr. Puneet Dhawan, has been the torchbearer in the field of Ayurvedic treatment for diabetic nephropathy. The hospital also provides healing therapies like Panchakarma for detoxifying the body so that your overall renal function improves.

Strategies to Maintain Blood Glucose Levels

Eat Smart (but Don’t Starve Yourself): Your diet serves as your best ally in managing blood sugar levels and ensuring your kidneys remain content. The key? Low-carb, low-sodium, kidney-friendly foods. Concentrate on non-starchy vegetables such as bell peppers, cauliflower, and leafy greens. Healthy proteins like skinless chicken, fish, or tofu (beware of portion sizes!) are essential. Whole grains should be consumed in moderation; quinoa and brown rice are excellent choices (however, not excessively). Fruits that are low in sugar, such as berries and apples (although, again, in moderation!) are also beneficial.
Watch That Sugar Like a Hawk: Processed sugars are a huge no-no; however, this doesn’t imply you can’t savor some sweetness in life. Swap out white sugar for natural alternatives (such as stevia or monk fruit). Furthermore, avoid sugary drinks like water, herbal teas, or even infused water (like lemon and cucumber) are excellent options, because they provide flavor without the drawbacks of added sugars.
Stay Hydrated, But Don’t Overdo It: Drinking enough water is important; however, if you have kidney disease, too much water can put extra strain on your kidneys (this is crucial). Talk to your doctor about the right amount for you. A good rule of thumb? Sip throughout the day (instead of chugging large amounts at once), although it may be tempting to drink quickly.
Get Moving (Even Just a Little Bit): Exercise aids in maintaining blood sugar levels and ensures your body functions efficiently. You do not need to become a full-fledged gym enthusiast; rather, engaging in uncomplicated activities such as walking, cycling, or even gardening can be beneficial. However, it's essential to have a schedule as regular exercise promotes overall health. Although some may find it challenging to incorporate exercise into their routines, this can be achieved with small adjustments. But remember, the key is to find an activity that you enjoy, which will make it easier to stick with it over time.
Gentle yoga or stretching: Low-impact exercises (such as cycling or swimming) can indeed produce significant benefits. Even just 20-30 minutes each day can lead to a substantial difference; however, many people overlook this opportunity. Although some might argue that time constraints are a barrier, the reality is that incorporating these activities into one’s routine is quite feasible. Because of their low intensity, they are accessible to most individuals, but the impact on overall health should not be underestimated.
Sleep Like a Baby: Insufficient sleep negatively impacts the blood sugar levels, leading to cravings for junk food. Aim for a minimum of 7-8 hours of quality sleep. However, if you face challenges with sleep, consider a calming bedtime routine (such as warm tea, reading a book and avoiding screens!).
Check Your Blood Sugar Regularly: Do not engage in the guessing game (it’s unproductive); instead, monitor your blood sugar levels so that you can ascertain what’s effective and what’s ineffective. Keep a small journal if necessary (however, it’s optional) and share it with your doctor during checkups.

Conclusion

Diabetic kidney disease is serious but preventable. By understanding the connection between diabetes and kidney health, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk and strengthen their renal functions.