subject: How does diabetes affect your body and kidneys? [print this page] How does diabetes affect your body and kidneys?
Many damage small blood vessel in your body and affect your kidneys, eyes, skin, nerves, muscles, intestines and heart. High blood pressure and hardening of the arteries can develop, which can lead to heart disease.
High blood sugar makes the kidneys work harder and results in progressive damage to the small filtering units of the kidneys and leads to leakage of protein in the urine.
Diabetes are also at increased risk of urinary tract infections due to high sugar content in the urine.
Once your kidneys fail, you may have:
* Fatigue
* Nausea, vomiting
* Swollen legs, ankles, feet or puffy eys
* Weight gain due fluid retention
* Breathlessness
How can i prevent diabetes kidneys problems?
1. Carefully follow prescrided treatment to control blood sugar
2. Control blood pressure to 130/80 mmHg
3. Control cholesterol level with diet and medication if necessary
4. Get urine checked for kidney function
5. Treat urinary tract infections early
6. Adopt a healthy diet that is high in fibre, low in fat, sodium and cholesterol
7. Aim to achieve and maintain healthly body weight
8. Exercise 30 minutes a day, at least 3 times a week
9. Quit smoking
Kidneys diases is a silent killer. Signs and sysmptoms occur late in kidneys disease. Screening tests are vital, especially if you are at high risk. The progression of kidneys disease can be slowed or stopped if detected earlier.
WHO ( World Health Organization ) predicts that developing countries will bear the brunt of this epidemic in the 21st century. Currently, more than 70% of people with diabetes live in low- and middle income countries.Source: IDF, Diabetes Atlas, 4th edition
