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Diabetes And Nephropathy (Kidney Failure) |
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Diabetic Nephropathy is the leading cause of Kidney
Failure or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in the United States. It is
also the leading cause of death for Type I diabetics. Approximately 40%
of Type I diabetics and 50% of Type II diabetics will acquire this
complication during the course of their disease. Kidney failure
decreases a person’s longevity by years but can be managed through
dialysis, medications and regulating protein, potassium, sodium and
fluids in your diet; as well as tight blood glucose control.
Diabetic Nephropathy is caused by pathological changes within the
kidney. This is partially due to consistently high blood glucose levels
in diabetics which lead to ketones, albumin and protein in the urine.
These large particles can cause damage to the blood vessels within the
kidney leading to scaring and leakage.
The progression and severity of
kidney disease in diabetics varies depending on many other risk factors.
Diabetics with predisposition to kidney disease, polycystic kidney
disease, keloid scaring or a history of hypertension are at an even
greater risk of developing kidney disease. The progress of this disease
can be delayed by keeping a tight control on your blood glucose level.
The
first sign of Diabetic Nephropathy is albumin in the urine. The American
Diabetic Association recommends testing to begin immediately on all
patients diagnosed with Type II diabetes and to begin testing on Type I
diabetes 5 years after the patient is diagnosed; or sooner if they have
other risk factors. Once protein is found in the urine the progression
to ESRD or kidney failure is to be expected within the next 5-15 years.
The best way to maintain the health of your kidneys is to control your
blood glucose levels, maintain your blood pressure and see your doctor
to get tested.
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