Diabetes and Kidney Failure

Diabetes has been named as the cause for the majority of cases of failure of kidneys or severe kidney disease. But there are many things which can be done to stop the kidneys from developing into severe kidney disease. Among these are to stop smoking and keep under control your blood pressure. Very intense management of diabetes can also decrease the risk of developing kidney disease or problems by 50%.

This intense management includes testing levels of blood glucose frequently, basing the amount of insulin intake on exercise as well as diet, following a healthy diet as well as regular plan of exercise, and regular checkups with your doctor.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is considered the major factor in kidney problems developing in those persons with diabetes. A family history of hypertension as well as the presence of hypertension seems to increase the chance of developing kidney disease. It also accelerates the progress of kidney disease which already exists.

There are 5 stages of diabetic kidney problems with the final stage being failure of the kidneys. It takes an average of about twenty years to get to the final stage. Type-1 diabetes and Type-2 diabetes both can cause kidney disease but Type-1 diabetes is most expected to lead to kidney failure in the end-stage.

40% of those with Type-1 diabetes will develop a severe problem with kidney disease and kidney failure in the end-stage by the age of 50. The solution to preventing kidney disease in diabetics is:

• Not smoking,
• Checking blood pressure regularly
• Getting protein urine tests
• Preventing high levels of glucose in the blood.

When symptoms of kidney disease begin it is already in late stages. There will be no symptoms in the beginning of this disease. When symptoms appear they consist of:

• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Weakness
• Swelling
• Vomiting

Stages

Stage 1

In this stage, the blood flow thru the kidneys increase as the kidneys become larger. Subjects often remain in this stage for an indefinite period or progress to Stage 2 after many years.

Stage 2

Stage 2 is when tiny quantities of protein in the blood (microalbuminuria) begin leaking albumin in the urine.

Stage 3

In Stage 3, the albumin loss as well as other proteins accelerates. Many develop problems with blood pressure being high at this time. The kidneys will go on with the capacity to filter waste. This is the stage when many are first diagnosed as having kidney disease.

Stage 4

In Stage 4 urine in large amounts is passed thru the kidneys and blood pressure is almost always high.

Stage 5

At this stage the kidneys ability to filter waste has almost stopped. The only two treatment options at this time are transplants and kidney dialysis.

Diabetes kidney disease can be prevented through the following:

• Keep the level of blood sugar under control. Be aware what your HbA1c test level should be.
• Keep blood pressure managed with pressure of 130/85 mmHg or lower.
• Have your urine tested for protein once a year
• Have a discussion with the doctor about putting you on ACE inhibitor for protection of the kidneys.
• Have other kidney tests done which your doctor orders
• If you have a kidney or bladder infection, see your doctor immediately

This is one of the many complications of diabetes, but it is one which a diabetic needs to be aware of and take care of any problems immediately. Any signs of kidney problems should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible.