Essential Tips from a Doctor: Protect Your Kidneys with Diabetes Management Strategies

With diabetes becoming more common, many are facing serious health issues, particularly with kidney function. Diabetes is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), so it’s critical for those affected to pay close attention to their kidney health.

High blood sugar can gradually harm the tiny blood vessels in our kidneys. Over time, this can hinder their ability to filter waste effectively. Dr. Chintan Gandhi, a nephrologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital, emphasizes that diabetes impacts kidneys by impairing filtering due to elevated blood sugar and hypertension. When kidneys struggle to do their job, CKD can occur, making it harder for the body to get rid of waste and excess fluids.

Increased awareness of this connection is important. Recent studies show that kidney disease rates in people with diabetes have risen by about 10%. Symptoms like swelling, fatigue, frequent urination, and trouble focusing often only appear in the later stages of CKD. If untreated, CKD can lead to serious complications like heart disease and kidney failure, sometimes requiring dialysis or a transplant.

Women, in particular, seem to be at greater risk for CKD—14% compared to 12% in men. This disparity highlights the need for proactive action to protect kidney health.

Dr. Gandhi advises that those with diabetes should adopt healthy habits to safeguard their kidneys. This includes maintaining balanced blood sugar and blood pressure levels through diet, exercise, and medication. Regular kidney function tests can catch issues early on and allow for timely treatment.

To keep kidneys healthy, it’s vital to focus on:

• Eating homemade meals rather than processed foods high in sodium.
• Staying hydrated.
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption.
• Incorporating regular physical activity into daily routines.

Lifestyle changes can make a real difference and reduce the chances of CKD. For example, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with regular exercise, can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

It’s clear that early intervention and lifestyle adjustments are key for those with diabetes. By keeping an eye on their kidney health, individuals can live healthier lives and avoid the severe consequences of kidney damage.

For further information about kidney health and diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association. Always remember to consult with healthcare professionals when addressing medical concerns.

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