Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy is a condition or clinical syndrome, where the ‘kidney is damaged’ due to long-term complications of diabetes.
It is characterized by the following:1
It starts as a minor damage with poor filtration by the kidneys. As the condition advances and left untreated, it leads to chronic kidney failure and requires dialysis or kidney transplant. Kidney failure will finally lead to death.
Occurence of Diabetic Nephropathy in Different Groups
The incidence of the end-stage renal disease in people suffering from type 2 diabetes is increasing stridently in many regions of the world.2 Recent studies suggest that 25% of the patients who suffer from diabetes develop microalbuminuria or diabetic nephropathy by 10 years.3 Once diabetic nephropathy is confirmed, the rate of worsening is 2–3% every year. According to another study, 14% of their study population suffering from type 1 diabetes developed end-stage diabetic renal disease after a period of 10 years.4 As the incidence of diabetes increases, the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy also rises.5
Management to Diabetic Nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy can be managed by following some guidelines like:8
- Maintaining blood sugar level to normal, by regular monitoring
- Frequent checking of blood pressure and also maintaining it within normal limits
- Taking blood pressure medicines without fail
- Avoiding medicines which can damage the kidneys like nonsteroidal antiinflamatory drugs
- Eating a balanced diet and involving a low fat diet
- Exercising regularly and maintaining a normal weight
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products
Conclusion
Diabetes has emerged at a major public health, since it affects all the organs, especially when it is long-standing. The kidneys are one of the organs frequently affected in poorly controlled, long-standing diabetes. This if not managed properly, leads to renal failure and ultimately to death. Hence, it is extremely important that blood sugars are maintained within normal limits and in case of complications, early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 18, 2011