Can Diabetes Affect Your Kidneys? Nephrologist Shares Eye-Opening Insights

In India, around 20-40% of people with diabetes, specifically Type-2 diabetes, suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetes, a blood glucose-related condition, can damage the body’s tiny blood vessels, affecting the kidneys’ ability to filter blood properly. Dr. Abhyuday Singh Rana, Associate Consultant, DNB (Nephrology), DNB (Medicine), MBBS (MD Physician), tells us more about the kidney health-diabetes connection and suggests what preventive measures you can take to stay healthy.

Can Diabetes Affect Your Kidneys, What To Do, And More

As per Dr. Abhyuday Singh Rana, when blood sugar remains high for a long time, it can damage the kidneys. This is known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD) or diabetic nephropathy.

DKD can be managed or even prevented with early intervention, while key treatment goals are to control blood sugar and blood pressure. Here are three ways to go about it:

1) Medications

If you have diabetic kidney disease in its early stages, your doctor might recommend medications to control blood sugar, like insulin and blood pressure, like ACE inhibitors and ARBs. They may also ask you to take statins to lower cholesterol. These medications can also help reduce protein in the urine, a sign of kidney damage.

2) Dietary Changes

Dietary changes play a crucial role in managing diabetic kidney disease, especially in the early stages. Be mindful of the following:

• Water

While drinking water is essential, consuming too much can increase blood pressure and cause swelling (edema).

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• Protein

Excess protein intake can lead to waste buildup in the blood, which puts the added strain on the kidneys.

• Phosphorus

Phosphorus is found in dairy and protein-rich foods. Too much phosphorus can strain the kidneys and also harm bones.

• Potassium

In people with kidney disease, high potassium levels can affect nerve function, so it’s important to manage potassium intake.

• Sodium (Salt)

Too much sodium can raise blood pressure, which can worsen kidney damage.

3) Dialysis and Kidney Transplant

If diabetic kidney disease progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. For patients with ESRD, dialysis is often required for life or until a suitable kidney becomes available for transplant.

"In conclusion, early intervention, proper medication, and dietary changes are crucial for managing diabetic kidney disease and preventing further kidney damage. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and blood pressure is essential to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning well," Dr. Abhyuday Singh Rana wraps up.

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