The Relation Between Diabetes and Risk of Kidney Disease
When dealing with diabetes, people must watch out for complications that can arise if blood sugar levels are not kept under control. Diabetic nephropathy is a serious problem that affects the kidneys of people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste from our body. However, their function gets disturbed and may lead to kidney failure in uncontrolled diabetes. Ailments such as Chronic Kidney Disease are medical conditions that cannot be taken lightly.
In such a case, treatment in the form of dialysis, medications, and transplant may be required. To remain stress-free about the expenditure, it is better to buy Diabetes Health Insurance plans that cover the diabetes-related treatment.
There is no permanent cure for Kidney disease in diabetics and the treatment must be taken for the rest of the life. Hence, the aim should be to prevent the development of such complications through early detection and following a healthy lifestyle.
Here’s more information about the connection between diabetes and kidney problems.
How does Diabetes cause Kidney Disease?
In patients with diabetes, the high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the body. This causes severe damage to normal kidney functions. Owing to this injury, the kidneys are unable to filter the blood properly and the body tends to retain excess water and salt along with waste materials in the blood. It may reflect as weight gain and swelling of the ankles. There could be the presence of protein in the urine sample of people affected by such a condition.
Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and the body’s ability to empty the bladder may get affected. The pressure that builds up can further cause injury to the kidneys. Moreover, the presence of sugar-containing urine for longer periods can lead to infections due to fast bacterial growth.
>> Check: Tips for Diabetes Care
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Diabetic Patients
People suffering from kidney disorder are likely to show the following symptoms:
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Protein in urine
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, hands or eyes
- A tendency to urinate frequently
- Confusion or concentration problems
- Shallow breathing
- Appetite loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itching
- Fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Disease
Kidney disorders can be detected through various diagnostic tests including Urine tests, Blood Pressure Check-up, Blood tests, Kidney Ultrasound and Biopsy.
After the disease is confirmed, the doctor may recommend treatment which is usually aggressive in nature as the organs tend to deteriorate. In the early stages, medications may be effective and could be needed for reducing the blood pressure and other harmful effects of high blood sugar in diabetics.
In severe cases like end-stage kidney failure, lifelong dialysis treatment would be required, usually several times in a week. Another solution is a kidney transplant when the patient is able to find a healthy donor kidney.
Conclusion
Treatment for kidney-related complications from diabetes can lead to a lot of expenditure for the patient. The best advice any health expert would give is to take precautionary measures to prevent the onset of such illnesses. That can be done in the following ways:
- Taking strict control over the blood glucose level
- Maintaining normal blood pressure
- Avoiding dependence on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Taking medications like antibiotics to cure urinary tract infection
- Increasing intake of non-alcoholic fluids like water
- Having a diet rich in vitamin B12 and low in fat
- Going for regular medical check-ups
Finally, dealing with an ailment can be made worry-free and your road to recovery becomes smoother with the support of health insurance plans. Health plans like ‘Care Freedom’ by Care Health Insurance offer the best coverage for diabetes treatment including dialysis cover up to 1,000 per sitting limited up to 24 consecutive months.
>>Click Here to Know 6 Health Tips to Prevent Chronic Kideny Disease
Disclaimer: Underwriting of claims for diabetes subject to policy terms and conditions.
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