Diabetic Nephropathy: Kidney disease in diabetes

Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney disease) is prevalent in both type-1 and type-2 diabetes. Around five years after the onset of diabetes the functioning of the kidney is adversely affected. The innumerable tiny blood vessels in the kidneys that act as filters to remove excess water from the blood, wastes and chemicals are damaged. The kidneys leak and fail to function. In such situations dialysis or kidney transplant becomes essential.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease (due to Diabetic Nephropathy)  

• Swelling of ankles, feet, hands and eyes is the first symptom.
• Followed by repeated urinary tract infection, shortness of breath, difficulty in concentration, loss of appetite, anemia, high blood pressure, weakness, nausea and congestive heart failure are the other symptoms of Kidney Disease due to Diabetic Nephropathy.

 
Preventing and Treating Kidney Disease (due to Diabetic Nephropathy)

• Firstly the blood glucose level and Blood Pressure has to be strictly brought under control. Tests have proved that in type-1 diabetic patients, controlled glucose prevented the onset and delayed the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
• Intake of protein should be reduced to forty grams per day. Breakdown of protein in food produces more waste products that are to be eliminated by the kidneys. This puts extreme strain on the already weakened kidneys. So moderate intake of protein protects kidneys.
• Diabetic patients with kidney disease should have around six small meals a day. Avoid cocoa, chocolate and spinach.
• Asparagus, cucumber, celery, garlic, parsley are beneficial vegetables for the treatment of kidney disease. Papaya fruit has healing effect on kidneys.
• Patients should take complete rest.
• Skin should be kept clean by friction with a wet cloth two times a day.
• Sunbathing daily is also beneficial.
• Hot fomentation can be applied over the lower back and kidney region. A hot water bath has also been immensely useful.