With over 20 million people in the United States affected and those numbers on the rise, diabetes remains a major health concern. Although Type 2 diabetes is by far the most common, Type 1 and gestational diabetes also pose health risks to some individuals. All types of diabetes involve problems with insulin and the body's ability to convert sugars into energy. Diabetes is a serious disease, due to the number of related health conditions it can cause. Kidney failure is one of the more devastating health issues caused by diabetes.
Diabetes occurs when the body begins to have a problem with insulin, either by not being able to produce enough or by becoming resistant to utilizing the insulin produced. Either way, both types can lead to kidney damage, if not properly treated. Since insulin is the hormone responsible for prompting the cells to uptake sugar from the blood, diabetic patients typically have high blood sugar levels. Over time, these elevated levels force the kidneys to filter excessive amounts of blood, which damages the kidneys and causes them to leak. If not caught early, the kidneys will continue to break down and lose their ability to filter, and protein will escape into the urine, while waste products will back-up in the blood. This eventually leads to kidney failure.
Although diabetes can lead to kidney failure in some cases, you can reduce your risk if you treat the disease properly. Sticking to dietary restrictions and taking medications, including insulin injections if necessary, will help prevent chronic kidney disease in many cases. Weight loss can also be helpful, and regular monitoring of blood pressure is a must. And even if diabetes progresses to chronic renal disease, it doesn't always lead to kidney failure. When caught early, kidney disease is treatable, so if you're diabetic, make sure to discuss regular screenings for kidney issues.
Tags: lead kidney, caught early, kidney disease, kidney failure, lead kidney failure, with insulin