The Silent Threat : How Diabetes Affects Kidney Health

Overview

While your kidneys do their daily function, a silent killer is roaming around that is very interested in affecting your kidneys. And that silent killer is diabetes. Over 110 million people are affected by diabetes in India, and 136 million might be on the path to becoming diabetic. These are the numbers in India. If we talk about all around the world, we are looking at figures such as 537 million, which comes out to be 1 in every 10 people affected by diabetes. And diabetes and kidney disease don’t go together for a healthy life. 

Your kidneys are at constant work to filter out toxins from your blood and remove them through the production of urine. Although many people think that it is the only function your kidneys have, it's much more than that. They also produce a hormone named aldosterone, which regulates your blood pressure by managing electrolytes sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+). Managing your blood pressure is easier said than done, and that important function that keeps you alive starts from the kidney.

Kidneys also produce an active form of vitamin D, which is known as calcitriol, primarily focusing on bone growth. Many people who don’t produce enough of this hormone might have to take calcium supplements, which can lead to side effects like muscle and bone pain. In rare cases, an allergic reaction might occur from these medications. 

Diabetes and the Kidneys: A Dual Attack on Your Renal Health

Diabetes increases your blood sugar level, causing damage to blood vessels and contributing to higher blood pressure. The constriction and narrowing of blood vessels weaken them, including those in the kidneys.

This dual attack from diabetes means that the kidney's blood vessels are compromised, leading to problems with blood filtration and reduced secretion of blood pressure-regulating hormones like renin, potentially resulting in high blood pressure.

Deterioration of the Kidney

There can be nerve damage to the kidneys, which affects the communication between the kidneys and the brain. This communication is crucial for the release of urine when the bladder is full and for hormone secretion. Nerve damage can lead to a backflow of urine into the kidneys, causing severe complications.

If urine remains in the bladder for too long, it can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can support bacterial growth. The high blood glucose levels in diabetics further promote bacterial proliferation.

Additionally, the long-term use of over-the-counter pain relievers and certain other medications can cause kidney damage. People with diabetes mellitus are also more prone to kidney stones, with studies showing they are at double the global average risk.

Signs of Kidney Damage Due to Diabetes

• High Blood Pressure: Malfunctioning kidneys fail to remove waste from the blood, leading to increased blood volume and higher blood pressure.
• Blood in Urine: The presence of blood in urine can be a sign of kidney stones, which may scratch the surface of the ureter, causing bleeding.
• Puffiness Around Eyes, Swelling/Pain in Hands or Feet: Waste accumulation in tissues due to kidney malfunction causes swelling or puffiness and may lead to joint pain from uric acid buildup.
• Difficulty/Pain in Urination:Bacterial growth due to urine retention in the bladder can lead to painful urination, exacerbated by diabetes.
• Erectile Dysfunction in Men: Kidney problems can alter hormone levels and cause nerve damage, leading to erectile dysfunction in some cases.
• Foamy Urine:Damaged kidneys may allow protein to pass through the filtration system, resulting in proteinuria and foamy urine.

Maintaining Healthy Kidneys: Essential Tips for Diabetics

• Control Your Blood Sugar Level: Maintaining well-controlled blood sugar levels through a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, good sleep hygiene, and, if necessary, medication, can help prevent or slow down kidney damage.
• Keep Salt Intake Low: Reducing salt intake to less than 5g per day (3g if hypertensive) can drastically lower blood pressure.
• Avoid Over-the-Counter Painkillers: Avoid using NSAIDs without a doctor’s prescription, as they can further damage the kidneys.
• Lower Fat Intake: Reducing fat intake eases the burden on the body from metabolizing cholesterol, helping to prevent artery blockages.

Dietary Tips for Kidney Health

• Eat fruits like berries and apples, which are low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, to reduce kidney damage.
• Incorporate veggies like cauliflower, onions, and garlic, which help with digestion and reduce blood pressure.
• For non-vegetarians, lean meats like eggs and fish are ideal. Egg whites provide high-quality protein with low phosphorus, while fish offer protein with naturally low sodium levels.
• Consider Ayurvedic solutions like Chandraprabha Vati, which contains haridra, shilajit, and guduchi, known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties.

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus can cause severe damage to your kidneys. However, a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet can prevent these complications. By managing diabetes effectively, you can protect your kidneys and other vital organs from damage.