Can diabetes affect my kidney health?

Verified by Dr. Mahesh Chavan, Senior Consultant Endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai & Dr. Ravindra Nikalji, Senior Consultant Nephrology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai.

Yes, diabetes can affect your kidney health. Diabetes is a chronic lifestyle disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. Over time, high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and nephrons, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. This can lead to kidney disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of kidney failure. About 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. Diabetic nephropathy can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and blindness.

There are a number of things you can do to protect your kidneys from the damage caused by diabetes, including:

• Managing your blood sugar levels
• Controlling your blood pressure
• Taking medications as prescribed by your doctor
• Eating a healthy diet
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding smoking

It is also important to see your doctor for regular checkups and kidney tests. Early detection and treatment of diabetic nephropathy can help to slow the progression of the disease and prevent kidney failure.

If you have diabetes, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of kidney disease, such as:

• Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands
• Foamy urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Back pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

There are a number of treatments available for diabetic nephropathy, depending on the severity of the disease. These treatments include medications, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, kidney failure may progress to the point where a kidney transplant is necessary.

If you have diabetes, it is important to take steps to protect your kidneys.

Connect with our diabetes specialist, Dr. Mahesh Chavan, Senior Consultant Endocrinology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai and our kidney specialist,Dr. Ravindra Nikalji, Senior Consultant Nephrology, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai. Our expert will help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your blood pressure, and advise you to eat a healthy diet, with which you can reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.