Kidney Failure in Diabetes is a common problem, let us know why it happens and how it can be avoided. Around 463 million people in the world suffer from diabetes. According to statistics, 25% of people who are diabetic can have kidney failure. 

Diabetes can cause many diseases. It has been observed that every 1 in 4 diabetic persons is suffering from kidney failure. In this article, we will learn about diabetes and its kidney problem and kidney failure. Along with this, we will also see how kidney failure can be avoided.

What is the function of the kidney in the body?

The kidney helps in the removal of all impurities in the body, which are then released from the body through the urinary tract. When there is any type of problem in the kidneys, then it is unable to cleanse the blood, as a result of which impurities start accumulating in the body. As the kidney problem increases, the kidneys cannot remove impurities from the body. These impurities in the body start producing toxin. This condition is known as uremia.

How does diabetes damage the kidneys?

The increased sugar level in the body causes damage to the whole body, but mainly its effect is on the kidney.

Blood vessels in the kidneys

Kidney function is to control blood impurity. Small blood arteries found in the kidney mainly perform this work. But when the sugar level in these blood arteries increases, they begin to become small and obstructed. Because of this, blood does not reach these arteries. Anaemia causes damage to the kidneys. This is why a protein called albumin gets expelled with urine instead of staying in the body.

Damage to the nervous system

Diabetes also damages the nervous system of the body. The nervous system acts as a messenger in the body, which serves to convey the message to different parts of the body. Due to a malfunction in the nervous system, even after filling the bladder, the message is not sent to the brain and thus it damages the kidneys.

Urinary tract Infection

As the bladder does not empty prematurely, the urine infection spreads to the bladder. These infections by bacteria, along with blood sugar, rapidly spreads to the bladder. The infection reaches the kidney due to bacteria present for a long time. 

Symptoms of kidney failure

Early days of diabetic kidney failure do not show any significant symptoms. But as the kidney problems increase, symptoms begin to appear. Some of these symptoms are as follows –

• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Trouble in sleeping 
• Dizziness
• Irregular heart rate
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Nausea
• Swelling of hands, feet, face
• Itching (in the last stage of a kidney problem)

On seeing any such symptoms during diabetes, contact the doctor immediately.

How to prevent kidney failure in diabetes

Ask your doctor to make a meal plan for you after considering all your symptoms. You can also contact a dietician for this. Apart from this, you can also contact a good nephrologist, ie a kidney specialist. With a disciplined lifestyle, you can control diabetes and prevent kidney failure.

Keep blood sugar in control

The best way to protect the kidney from any kind of damage is to keep blood sugar under control. Keep checking blood sugar periodically to keep blood sugar under control. Also, adopt a disciplined lifestyle. Exercise regularly and do not consume harmful food.

Keep blood pressure under control

Consult a doctor about what the level of blood pressure should be. Also, get blood pressure checked regularly. Your doctor may prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) related medications to control blood pressure, depending on your situation. These drugs protect the kidney by reducing blood pressure.

Determine the right amount of protein to consume

According to research, people with diabetes should consume a good amount of protein. But at the same time, consuming too much protein can also damage the kidneys. That is why it is important to decide the right amount of protein to take. For this, you can consult your doctor. Dieticians can also help you with this. Make sure that the food you are taking provides nourishment to your body, does not damage.

If you have any urinary problems immediately consult a doctor 

If you are having problems with urination in any way, such as irritation of the urinary tract, going for too much urine, visible blood clots or feeling a strong smell. In any such situation, contact the doctor immediately. Any type of damage can be avoided by starting treatment at the right time.

Do not take any medicine without medical advice

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can cause damage to the kidney. Before taking any kind of medicine, take the advice of your doctor.

Control cholesterol level

Any kind of change in the body can give rise to a big problem. Periodically check for cholesterol and lipid profile and avoid untowardly problem. These things should be kept in mind to keep a check on cholesterol level.

• Do not consume trans fats
• Eat more soluble fibre
• Take the right amount of protein
• Eat foods rich in omega 3
• Saturated fats eat less

Almost all patients who are suffering from diabetes can face kidney problems. In patients with type 1 diabetes, during the 2–5 years time period after the diagnosis of diabetes, there may be kidney related problems. Also, serious kidney-related problems may occur in 30–40% of people. But it is not necessary to change it in kidney failure. But caution is necessary so that future problems can be avoided.