Diabetes mellitus, a disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin, is a serious condition on its own. In addition, approximately 40% of patients with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease. If you currently have diabetes and are uncertain about your risk of kidney disease, you might have some questions. The guide below answers some of the most commonly asked questions about diabetes and kidney disease.

What You Need to Know About Diabetes & Kidney Disease

How does diabetes lead to kidney disease?

When you have diabetes, the blood vessels throughout your body become damaged over time. This can include the clusters of blood vessels in the kidneys. If these vessels are injured, the kidneys will no longer clean blood properly.

The body will hold onto an excess of salt and water as waste materials build up in the blood. This can damage the kidneys and cause high blood pressure in a condition known as diabetic kidney disease.

What are the signs of diabetic kidney disease?

The earliest signs of diabetic kidney disease can be difficult to spot on your own, so it is critical that you continue checking in with your doctor every year to monitor your condition. Some symptoms include:

• Protein in urine
• Higher jumps in blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Swollen ankles
• Urinating frequently

As the disease progresses, kidney failure will cause an increase in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in your blood. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, loss of appetite, constant itchiness, and anemia are also common.

How can you reduce your risk of diabetic kidney disease?

High blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and high blood pressure (hypertension) will greatly increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Your best defense is to control your diabetes and blood pressure, so closely follow your doctor’s health instructions.

Treat urinary tract infections (UTI) quickly, avoid smoking, and limit substances that could damage your kidneys in excess, such as alcohol and over-the-counter pain medications.

What can you do to manage both conditions?

If you receive a diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease, there are steps you can take to manage both conditions. Your doctor will give you a treatment plan, which will likely include medications that aim to control high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and protein in the urine.

Follow-up appointments will check the progress of your kidney disease. They will also recommend you adjust your diet to reduce sodium and sugar and include a healthy balance of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and unsweetened beverages.

For patients with diabetes, kidney disease is a real concern that should be managed with personal attention and state-of-the-art care. The team at Mt Auburn Nephrology is committed to helping you understand your condition while offering the most effective treatments. Serving the Greater Cincinnati area, this nephrology practice offers services for hypertension, kidney stones, acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, and kidney transplants. Learn more about their services online. To schedule your first appointment, call (513) 841-0222.