Your kidneys are essential to maintaining the health of your body. They maintain overall metabolic health, control blood pressure, balance electrolytes, and filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. Nonetheless, diabetes and hypertension, two prevalent lifestyle-related disorders, are the primary causes of chronic kidney disease globally. Sadly, kidney damage brought on by these illnesses frequently progresses silently and only manifests symptoms when it is already severe.
The first step to prevention, early diagnosis, and successful treatment is knowing how diabetes and high blood pressure impact your kidneys.
Knowing How the Kidneys Work
Millions of microscopic filtering units known as nephrons are found in each kidney. Toxins and extra water are eliminated from the body as urine by these nephrons, which also purify the blood. Appropriate blood flow and pressure within these filters are critical for kidney health. Over time, kidney damage may result from this balance being upset by diabetes or high blood pressure.
How Diabetes Affects the Kidneys?
Chronically elevated blood sugar levels are the main way that diabetes damages the kidneys. Uncontrolled blood glucose damages blood vessels in the kidneys as well as other parts of the body.
The kidney filters have to work harder than usual when blood sugar levels are high. The nephrons become thicker and scarred over time as a result of this additional strain, which lowers their capacity to effectively filter waste. Diabetic nephropathy is the term for this condition.
Albuminuria, or the leakage of protein (albumin) into the urine, is one of the first indications of diabetic kidney damage. More protein is lost, waste accumulates in the blood, and kidney function gradually deteriorates as damage increases.
Dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary if diabetic kidney disease is not treated because it can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and ultimately kidney failure.
How the Kidneys Are Affected by High Blood Pressure?
Blood vessels all over the body, including the fragile vessels inside the kidneys, are subjected to excessive force when blood pressure is high. The blood vessels become weaker and narrower with time due to this pressure, which lowers blood flow to the kidney tissues.
The kidneys are unable to efficiently filter waste when blood flow is decreased. Fluid retention, toxin accumulation, and additional blood pressure spikes result from this, establishing a risky cycle in which kidney damage and hypertension exacerbate one another.
One of the most frequent causes of kidney failure, particularly in adults over 40, is chronic uncontrolled hypertension.
Diabetes and Hypertension: A Dangerous Combination
The risk of kidney damage rises sharply when diabetes and high blood pressure coexist. Hypertension speeds up blood vessel damage, while diabetes weakens the kidney filters. When combined, they accelerate the deterioration of kidney function considerably more quickly than when either condition is present alone.
For this reason, blood pressure and kidney health are regularly checked in diabetics, and early intervention is essential.
Indications of Potential Kidney Damage
Although kidney disease frequently develops silently, there are some warning indicators that could show up as damage worsens:
- Foot, ankle, or facial swelling
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Weakness and exhaustion
- Urine that is foamy or bubbly
- Appetite loss
- Having trouble focusing
- Chronic hypertension
For those with diabetes or hypertension, routine screening is crucial because symptoms don’t show up right away.
How to Avoid Kidney Damage?
The good news is that, with the right care, kidney damage brought on by diabetes and high blood pressure can frequently be delayed or avoided.
Important preventative actions consist of:
- Keeping blood sugar levels at ideal levels
- Managing blood pressure
- Eating a kidney-friendly diet that is low in processed foods and salt
- Maintaining an active lifestyle
- Refusing to smoke and drink too much alcohol
- Regularly taking prescription drugs
- Using blood and urine tests to monitor kidney function
- Early detection enables medical professionals to take action before irreparable harm is done.
- Identification and Tracking
Simple tests like these are used by doctors to evaluate kidney health:
- Blood tests to assess kidney function (eGFR) and measure creatinine
- Tests on urine to find protein leaks
- Blood pressure monitoring
- Imaging tests, if necessary
- Regular examinations are particularly crucial for those who have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Advanced Medical Attention and Therapy
The goal of treatment for kidney damage that is discovered early is to preserve the remaining kidney function while regulating blood pressure and blood sugar. To manage complications and plan appropriate interventions, such as dialysis preparation or transplant evaluation when necessary, specialized nephrology care is crucial in advanced stages.
Mythri Hospital: Skilled Kidney Health Care
Patients with kidney-related conditions brought on by diabetes and high blood pressure can receive comprehensive care at Mythri Hospital’s Nephrology Department. In order to slow the progression of the disease and enhance quality of life, our skilled nephrologists prioritize early diagnosis, individualized treatment plans, and preventive care.
Mythri Hospital is dedicated to assisting patients in safeguarding their kidney health and leading healthier lives through the use of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, patient-centered care, and a multidisciplinary approach.
Regular kidney exams can have a profound impact on your life if you or a loved one has high blood pressure or diabetes. Kidneys and lives are saved by early care.
