Treatment for Kidney Failure | PRINE Health

PRINE Health on 07/06/2023

Several different factors can hurt your kidney health. Whether it’s linked to a medication you regularly take, a chronic disease, or environmental pollutants these can eventually lead to another serious condition; kidney failure. This condition is due to your kidney’s inability to continue sufficiently filtering waste from your blood. Typically, kidney failure is one of the results of chronic kidney disease. Seeking treatment for CKD and kidney failure should never be postponed. If you or someone you know is suffering, visit a nephrologist in Great Neck at PRINE for help!

What are the symptoms of kidney failure?

Some people who have kidney failure experience very few symptoms. Some people don’t experience any. Some of the possible symptoms are:

Reduced amount of urination
Leg, ankle, and feet swelling from retention of fluids
Shortness of breath
Exhaustion
Nausea
Confusion
Pain in chest
Seizures
Coma

Every patient experiences different symptoms, depending on their stage and the severity of their CKD.

Types of kidney failure

There are different ways that the kidney may stop functioning and there are different causes behind it. The different types of kidney failure include:

Acute prerenal kidney failure– This is caused by insufficient blood flow to the kidneys. This can be cured once your nephrologist in Great Neck determines why there is a decrease in blood flow
Acute intrinsic kidney failure– This can be caused by direct trauma to the kidneys, lack of oxygen to the kidneys, or from toxins.
Chronic prerenal kidney failure– If there is a lack of blood flow to the kidneys, they begin to shrink and can no longer function properly
Chronic intrinsic kidney failure– When there is long-term kidney damage due to intrinsic kidney disease, this can occur.
Chronic post-renal kidney failure– If there is something blocking the urinary tract, this prevents urination, which increases pressure and causes kidney damage.

Dialysis

This is a treatment method in which your blood is filtered and purified through a machine that acts as your kidney. Dialysis removes waste, salt, and extra water so they do not build up in your body. It also allows you to maintain a healthy level of chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate. Dialysis is typically done in a hospital, but it also can be done in your home. Depending on your condition, your nephrologist in Great Neck will decide which treatment method works best for you! There are two different types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis– In this method, an artificial kidney removes waste and excess chemicals from your blood by your nephrologist in Great Neck to create an entrance to the blood vessels so the blood can get to the artificial kidney. This can be done three times a week for approximately four hours.
Peritoneal– This method cleans the blood inside your body. A catheter is placed into your abdomen to make an entrance. Your peritoneal cavity also referred to as your abdominal area, is filled with dialysate.

Transplant

This is another treatment method used to treat kidney failure. Your nephrologist in Great Neck will be able to tell you if you qualify for this surgery. The wait time for a donor can be long unless you have a living donor. This process involves taking immunosuppressive drugs so your body does not reject the new kidney.

If you want to know which treatment option is best for you, contact a nephrologist in Great Neck at PRINE Health!

Benefits Of Visiting A Nutritionist For CKD

PRINE Health on 07/05/2023

The kidneys are responsible for filtering extra water and waste out of the blood to make urine. They also make hormones that help regulate blood pressure, make red blood cells, and maintain strength in your bones! When your kidneys are damaged and cannot properly filter blood, this is referred to as chronic kidney disease (CKD). The damage causes waste to fill up the body, along with many other health problems. Over 30 million people have chronic kidney disease in the United States. Here at PRINE Health, our kidney specialists in Great Neck specialize in conditions such as CKD.

Diet and Chronic Kidney Disease

Maintaining a healthy diet should always be a top priority. Your diet has a major impact on your body and how it functions. When it comes to CKD, you have to be cautious of what you can and cannot eat because some foods that are typically part of your daily diet may have a negative impact when it comes to CKD. Three major components can slow down the progression of your chronic kidney disease:

Maintaining a healthy blood pressure- this can be done by decreasing your daily sodium intake
Reducing the amount of protein you consume, depending on how much you usually consume
Monitoring and taking care of your diabetes

It can be hard to analyze the nutritional value of different foods and the science behind it all to ensure you are on the right track to a proper CKD diet. Visiting a nutritionist can be beneficial in making sure you are getting all of the nutrients that will keep your kidneys healthy.

What to eat

After visiting your kidney specialist in Great Neck, you may want to start figuring out which foods will keep your kidneys healthy! Some of those foods include:

Cabbage
Red bell peppers
Garlic
Arugula
Berries
Olive oil
Egg whites

What not to eat

What you can and cannot eat depends on which stage of kidney disease you are on. In the earlier stages, you may have different dietary restrictions than someone who has end-stage renal disease. Earlier stages may require a lower protein intake, whereas those with end-stage renal disease need an increased protein intake. Foods that should be avoided when on a renal diet are:

Avocados
Canned food
Alcohol
Red Meat
Bananas
Dairy
Egg yolks

Overall, it is important to reduce your potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake. If you are unsure of what foods will have a major impact on your stage of CKD, ask your kidney specialist in Great Neck.

Why Visit a Nutritionist for CKD Care?

Nutritionists, along with your kidney specialist in Great Neck, can help keep your kidneys healthy and slow down the progression of your CKD. In general, there are many benefits to seeing a nutritionist, such as:

Getting a personalized plan
Preventing diseases
Learning to live a healthier lifestyle
Learning new recipes and skills
Receiving constant motivation and support

When it comes to eating, it can be difficult to find the support you need other than from your kidney specialist in Great Neck. A nutritionist not only provides more support, but they also can improve your diet without you having to do all that research on what will work best for you and your kidneys. Even after all that research, it can be difficult to find new and exciting recipes to make eating seem less tedious. Sure, you found out that red bell peppers are good for your CKD, but how many recipes can you make with that? Your nutritionist will think for you, all you have to do is cook it!

Figuring out a diet for your chronic kidney disease can be overwhelming. While visiting your kidney specialist in Great Neck at PRINE Health, ask them about the benefits of visiting a nutritionist to increase the quality of your life and diet.

Revolutionizing Kidney Care

PRINE Health on 07/04/2023

PRINE Health is a newly developed kidney care group that is emphasizing revolutionizing the kidney care industry. We’re an independent nephrology-based SUPERGROUP infused with Primary Care, Care Management, and cutting-edge technology. Supported by a physician-owned managerial service organization (MSO), PRINE Health is providing value-oriented population health and traditional practice management services. Our team is focused on bringing together the elite members of the nephrology industry and kidney specialists in Long Island. For information on how you can contact PRINE Health, please visit our website here. Otherwise, please continue reading this article for more information on the group and our primary goals for the foreseeable future.

Our Vision for Exceptional Kidney Care

Revolutionizing the kidney care industry, PRINE is looking to create innovative treatment plans through a personalized, caregiving approach. By uniting the experts in the field, we’re looking to collectively bring together an association of patients and physicians who can help change the kidney care world for the better.

Our goals as an organization include the following:

Improve the quality of kidney care and give patients innovative treatment methods.
Give easy access to care by boosting the relationship between patient and physician. Thus, giving quality satisfaction for patient care.
Eliminate waste, redundancies, and inefficiencies.
Overall, makes kidney care a much more enjoyable experience; for the physician, care partners, and the patient!

In an ever-changing healthcare industry, the emphasis on kidney care has been somewhat lacking for several years. However, PRINE Health is looking to change this notion. Our kidney specialists in Long Island are able to work together as a collaboration; benefiting the local community and many more patients. The unfortunate truth is those complications such as chronic kidney disease have increased dramatically, as one in seven adults in the United States suffers from this condition. Our nephrology-based SUPERGROUP aims to dramatically lower this number, with the assistance of our partners and collaborators. Emphatic care management is essential for the success of our movement.

If you’re interested in joining our movement or have been searching for a kidney specialist in Long Island, contact PRINE Health today for further assistance.

Summary

Natural Remedies For Kidney Stones

PRINE Health on 07/03/2023

Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, are formed inside of your kidneys and consist of salt and minerals. They can have several different causes, but normally begin to form when your urine becomes concentrated. When this occurs the minerals will begin to crystallize and start sticking together, forming the kidney stone. While passing a kidney stone can be severely painful, it shouldn’t cause too much damage as long as you seek early medical attention. You could also seek out some home remedies that may help treat your kidney stones or prevent it from recurring in the future.

It is important to keep in mind that if left untreated, you may need to seek the help of a kidney specialist in Freeport in regard to possible surgery!

Symptoms:

Kidney stones can go undetected until they begin to move around your ureter. The part of your body that connects your kidneys to the bladder. Once it begins moving around you may feel one or more of the following symptoms:

Pain that is located in your side and back
Radiating pain from your abdomen to your groin
Fluctuating pain throughout the day
Experiencing pain when using the bathroom
Discolored urine
- Pink, red, brown
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Very frequent urination
Nausea/Vomiting
Urinating in small amounts
Fever or Chills
- Only if there is an infection

Treatment for Kidney Stones:

Fortunately, prior to seeing a kidney specialist in Freeport, there are a few home remedies that you can try to help reduce your risk of kidney stones:

Always stay hydrated
Increase your intake of Citric Acid
- By doing this you can prevent stone formation and/or stone enlargement
Try not to eat foods high in Oxalates
- Oxalates can bind calcium and other minerals that form kidney stones
Try not to take high dosages of vitamin C
- This is specifically for Vitamin C supplements
Make sure you’re getting enough Calcium
Reduce your salt intake
Add more Magnesium to your diet

When is it time to contact a kidney specialist in Freeport?

While it is never a bad thing to try out natural remedies, it is important to keep in mind that you might not always be able to treat kidney stones on your own. If you begin to experience severe pain in your lower abdomen or genitals, it is time to seek out the help of a doctor. In a not-too-serious case, a doctor may just inform you that you need fluid therapy and pain medications. On the other hand, if your kidney stones get stuck in your urinary tract or begin to cause damage, a doctor may need to schedule surgery as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Kidney Stones and would like to try out some natural treatments, make sure to consult with a doctor first! At PRINEhealth, we have a network of professional kidney specialists in Freeport, that can help guide you in the right direction when it comes to kidney stones. Contact us today!

PRINE Health Welcomes Dr. Lisa Berger

PRINE Health on 07/02/2023

Dr. Berger formerly practiced at ProHEALTH in Lake Success and will be joining us in September 2019:

1129 Northern Boulevard, Suite 101
New York, United States 11030

Phone: (516)-365-5570

3 Warning Signs That You May Be Experiencing Kidney Failure

PRINE Health on 07/01/2023

Your kidneys are vital to your health. It is crucial that you watch for early warning signs of issues or problems you may be experiencing that could lead to kidney failure.

What Do The Kidneys Do In The Body?

The primary function of your kidneys is to filter out the toxins built up in your body. If your kidneys begin to cease to function properly, it can lead to a plethora of health problems. It can ultimately lead to the need for dialysis.

Kidney function is measured by how well the kidneys remove toxins from the blood by using a measurement called the Glomerular Filtration Rate, or GFR. There are five stages of kidney functioning. Stage 1 denotes normal or high-functioning kidneys, whereas stage 5 is end-stage renal (kidney) failure. Each subsequent stage from 2 through 4 indicates a percentage of the decline in GFR.

It is important to know that the initial decline of kidney functions, or renal disease, is often silent. The best way to prevent kidney injury is to moderate changes in your overall health and always consult with a doctor if anything seems out of the norm.

Here are three signs that could indicate that you are beginning to experience a decline in kidney function.

The First Signs of Kidney Failure

1. Dizziness and Fatigue

One of the first possible signs of weakening kidneys is the experience of overall weakness in yourself and your overall health. This can include feelings of dizziness or fatigue due to a build-up of toxins in the blood. Oddly enough, another fatiguing disorder, anemia, can be linked to kidney problems. If you find that you are unusually tired, don’t panic. This can also be caused by stress, overwork, or other typical day-to-day issues. But if you are getting enough rest and still feel more fatigued than normal, especially if you are finding yourself dizzy, see your physician immediately. Tell her or him what you are experiencing and ask that he refer you to a Kidney Specialist (Nephrologist) to be on the safe side. It’s best if your General Practitioner (GP) works with a Kidney Specialist on a regular basis, so you get the best overall care.

2. Swelling (Edema)

Though there are several causes of swelling, if you are swelling in your legs, ankles, wrist, or even around your eyes, this could be a sign that your kidneys are not functioning properly. This is often caused by electrolyte or other nutritional abnormalities that affect the proper filtration capacity of the kidneys. Lower extremity swelling can be a sign of heart disease, kidney disease, or other forms of poor circulation.

3. Changes in urination

A third possible sign of beginning kidney injury is a change in urination. Things like changes in the amount of urine, foaming, pale or dark urine, or red coloring could be a warning sign that you may be experiencing a problem. Whether or not the problem is simply dehydration or the beginning of severe kidney dysfunction, your doctor or specialist in the field can determine the issues.
With the exception of some acute (or immediate) problems, including seeing blood in the urine or an inability to urinate, or such isolated conditions in pregnancy like pre-eclampsia, kidney failure often moves through the five stages slowly. Noticing changes, including these three signs, can alert you and your doctor of potential problems early where intervention can often slow or halt progression. Always remember to drink plenty of water to aid in the filtration process and contact your doctor if you begin to experience any of these signs.

If you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms, make an appointment with your GP and talk about your next best steps. You mustn’t wait to get this checked out. The earlier renal failure is detected the better the chances of staving off major problems. No one wants to get to the point where dialysis is needed. Not all GPs work hand in hand with doctors who understand the issues of kidney problems the way a doctor who specializes in the health of one’s kidneys does. Be sure that your doctors work together and communicate with you about your options and the best choices you can make. If you are experiencing renal failure, there will be changes to your diet and your lifestyle that must be made. You will need to talk to both your GP and your Nephrologist to create a best-practice plan for your health.

At PRINE Health, we have both general practitioners and Nephrologists on staff who will work together to create the best plan for you. Please contact us if you would like more information.

Do I Need A Primary Care Doctor To Work With My Kidney Specialist?

PRINE Health on 06/30/2023

If you are experiencing issues related to kidney disease, you should be working with a specialist who knows your problems and deals directly with your particular needs. While that doctor is key to your health regarding your kidneys, that doesn’t mean that he or she should be your only medical practitioner. Nor should your primary doctor be the person who is solely in charge of your renal disease issues.

Too often, kidneys are overlooked in general practice. Issues can be mistaken or ignored. Too often, patients and their primary care providers can be unaware of renal problems. By failing to understand or recognize underlying kidney issues, a patient can be in stage 3 chronic kidney disease, which can quickly dwindle to stage 4 before it is caught and dealt with. In general practice, kidneys are often ignored not because of negligence but because of a lack of understanding and communication with a kidney health specialist.

How a Primary Care Doctor Creates a Path with Nephrologists?

Communication must be set up between the primary care doctor and the nephrologist. A nephrologist doctor specializes in the diseases and conditions that affect the kidneys. Their job is to understand and treat chronic kidney disease, kidney infections, and, ultimately, kidney failure. The hope is to catch such ailments long before reaching the situation of kidney failure and the need for dialysis. When the primary care doctor works hand in hand with the nephrologist, the patient may be able to see a far better outcome regarding his or her kidney and overall health.

There is a shortage of nephrologists in the field, and thus having a primary care doctor who is savvy and better educated about the signs of renal issues, can help catch issues before they escalate. This is not an uncommon concept. Primary care doctors have become adept at diagnosing other diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Collaborative care is the best hope for patients who need both the input of a specialist and the care of a primary physician who often knows the person’s medical history more intimately. Working together is the key to health success.

What is the best way to merge the care of a general practitioner and a kidney specialist when facing renal health issues?

The goal of any doctor is to create the best possible quality of life for his or her patients. Whether a specialist or a primary care doctor, information is the most critical factor. It is often difficult for doctors who are not working in the same practice to communicate effectively. However, we need to have these severe and intricate problem-solving conversations. The sooner a nephrologist is involved in the care of the patient-facing kidney disease, the better the chance for less stressful long-term outcomes. It will often fall upon the primary care doctor to help the patient make difficult lifestyle changes, including changes in eating habits and diet, stress management, exercise regimens, and even sleep habits. These doctors are often tasked to offer a form of psychological counseling about these difficult changes. The cross-over benefits for patients’ other diagnoses are well known.

In return, the family physician understands the importance of the guidance and planning the consulting nephrologist brings to the table as the expert on this pathology. They need to agree on the things that are of utmost importance for patients in both their care and help the patients they are working with, collaborating to succeed in making those necessary life changes. Together, they can motivate the patient to reach the best possible health outcome.

When a medical practice includes both primary physicians and nephrologists in the same environment, collaboration is far easier to achieve. Time may be of the essence with many patients. Having doctors who work well together and communicate easily is the best-case scenario when dealing with patients facing arduous treatments for kidney disease (CKD). This kind of communication between PCPs and specialists has proven track records of improved clinical outcomes when dealing with chronic illnesses. Too often, this collaboration doesn’t happen, so when it is part of the practice, the patient benefits exponentially.

PRINE Health has physical offices in the Manhasset and Hicksville, New York area that include both primary care doctors and nephrologists. They also offer telemedicine. If you’re seeking a nephrologist and primary care collaborative team, the professionals at PRINE Health would love to speak with you and assist you in your health success.

What Does A Nephrologist Do? And Why You May Need One.

PRINE Health on 06/29/2023

A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the field of nephrology.

Nephrology

Nephrology is a specialty of internal medicine that focuses on the management and treatment of kidney disease or kidney disorders.

The kidneys have several vital functions, including:

removing waste and excess fluid from the blood
maintaining your body’s electrolyte balance
releasing hormones with functions such as managing blood pressure

Nephrologist

Primary care physicians often work to help prevent the early stages of kidney disease. As the situation progresses, a primary care physician may refer you to a kidney specialist, or the nephrologist.

A Nephrologist has completed a 3-year residency in Internal Medicine and a specialty fellowship in nephrology that is typically at least 2 years. Some nephrologists have sub-specializations in areas of nephrology such as hypertension (high blood pressure), transplant, glomerular disorders (protein or blood in urine), or critical care medicine.

What Conditions Does A Nephrologist Treat?

protein or blood in the urine
chronic kidney disease
kidney stones
kidney infections
kidney swelling due to glomerulonephritis or interstitial nephritis
kidney cancer
polycystic kidney disease
renal artery stenosis
nephrotic syndrome
end-stage kidney disease
kidney failure, both acute and chronic

A nephrologist may also be involved in the management of the following common conditions:

high blood pressure
diabetes
heart disease
peripheral vascular disease

Types Of Tests A Nephrologist My Order

Blood tests

Serum creatinine. Creatinine is a waste product and is present at higher levels in the blood of people with kidney dysfunction. This is the single best routine blood test to screen for kidney problems.
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). This is also a waste product related to a protein that is found in the blood and a sign of kidney dysfunction.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – This test measures how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. GFR begins to decrease below normal levels in kidney disease.
Estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) – This is a test that uses other laboratory data to approximate the glomerular filtration rate. The eGFR relates to the severity of kidney dysfunction which is broken into Stages from Stage 1 to Stage 5.

Stage 1	Stage 2	Stage 3	Stage 4	Stage 5
eGFR in the normal range (greater than 90) with other signs of kidney damage, like protein in the urine or physical damage to the kidneys	eGFR in the normal range (60-89) with other signs of kidney damage, like protein in the urine or physical damage to the kidneys	eGFR 30-59, moderate kidney damage	eGFR 15-29, severe kidney damage	eGFR less than 15, the kidneys are close to failure or have already failed

Urine tests

Urinalysis. A simple urine test can help to reveal the presence of abnormal amounts of blood, glucose, or protein, or whether there may be an infection.
Albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR). This measures the amount of the protein, albumin in your urine. Albumin in the urine may be a sign of kidney dysfunction.
24-hour urine collection for Creatinine Clearance. This method uses a special container to collect all of the urine that you produce during a 24-hour period to calculate the amount of creatinine that is cleared. This may provide a more accurate assessment of kidney function compared with the eGFR.

Procedures

In addition to reviewing and interpreting laboratory tests, a nephrologist may also perform or work with other specialists on the following procedures:

imaging tests of the kidneys, such as ultrasound (Renal Sonogram)
dialysis, including placement of the dialysis catheter or creation of a Fistula or Graft for dialysis use
kidney biopsies
kidney transplants

What Is The Difference Between Nephrologists And Urologists?

The fields of nephrology and urology share some overlap because they can both involve the kidneys. Nephrologists are the medical specialists of the kidney whereas Urologists are surgical specialists of the kidneys. A Urologist also focuses on diseases and conditions that can affect the male and female urinary tracts such as the ureters, bladder, and urethra. A urologist also works with the male reproductive organs, such as the penis, testes, and prostate.

When To See A Nephrologist

Kidney disease is very common. About 1 in 7 Americans have kidney disease and it is estimated that 33% of the population is at risk. The risk factors for chronic kidney disease are:

diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
heart disease
obesity
a family history of kidney problems

Early stages of kidney disorders may not have any symptoms or may have nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and changes in urination. Regular testing can monitor your kidney function, particularly if you’re at risk for kidney disease. An abnormality in one of the tests above would often lead to a referral to a nephrologist. You may also seek the attention of a nephrologist if you have:

protein in your urine
recurring kidney stones
high blood pressure that’s more challenging to control
swelling in your legs
a rare or inherited cause of kidney disease

Conclusion

A nephrologist is a type of doctor who specializes in diseases and conditions that affect the kidneys. Nephrologists work to treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease and help delay the progression of kidney disease to end-stage kidney disease (requiring dialysis or transplant).

PRINE Health is a medical group with several nephrologists along with primary care and other complementary providers. If you need a Nephrologist, we are here to help. Contact us today!

Primary Care Physician During the Early Stages of CKD

PRINE Health on 06/28/2023

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is known as the gradual loss of kidney use. The kidneys filter waste and liquids from your blood, which is then discharged into your urine. When CKD becomes more advanced, a dangerous amount of fluids can build up in the body. About 200,000 people a year are diagnosed in the U.S. with this disease. It can be detected through two simple tests, administered by your primary care physician (PCP), which benefits you. What many don’t realize is that your PCP can be a great help in detecting CKD and what the next steps may be for you!

Benefits Of Visiting A Primary Care Physician:

Early detection of CKD by your primary care physician calls for immediate action. He will lower your cardiovascular risk and will make an effort to slow the progression of CKD. There are 5 stages of chronic kidney disease. Any condition beyond Stage 3 should be monitored by a nephrologist as well. Some of the benefits of a primary care physician are listed below:

Open communication – Patients should be encouraged to discuss any changes in medication, comfort, urine
Effective treatment – Although there is no treatment for CKD, your primary care physician can specify the direct cause of your individualized CKD condition and provide treatment.

Stabilization of metabolism – Unfortunately, CKD affects more than just the kidneys and renal function. Your primary care physician can address and regulate any abnormalities in your metabolism.
Holistic approach – Your primary care physician will already be familiar with any other factors that could be affecting CKD. With a holistic approach, the medical group in Manhasset will form the best plan for you.

How Can A Primary Care Physician Help CKD?

During the early stages of CKD, it is crucial to work with your primary care physician to manage the disease. It has been found that co-management of this particular disease can help provide the highest-quality and safest treatment. With initial interference and a complete, integrative physician team approach, your primary care physician can help stay on top of the following:

The stabilization of renal functions (this includes blood pressure and diabetes control as well)
Reducing risk factors like hypertension and hyperlipidemia
Preventing Vitamin D levels from dropping
Lowering Lipids
Smoking Cessation

Your PCP can also guide you through the testing procedure once you have been diagnosed. These tests can help determine how well your kidneys are actually functioning as well as which treatment will be best for you. These tests may include:

Calculating your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) – This test is specifically used to show how much kidney function you have.
Perform an Ultrasound or CT Scan – Both tests are used to show the size of your kidneys, whether they are too small or too large, as well as a full picture of your kidneys and urinary tract.
Perform a Kidney Biopsy – This can show any type of kidney disease and any damage that has occurred.

Why You Should Visit Our Offices On Long Island:

Although there is no cure for chronic kidney disease, visiting a primary care physician early enough will help treat and lessen your symptoms, as well as slow the progression of this disease. At PRINE Health, we understand that chronic kidney disease is largely overlooked. This is why we have created a medical group consisting of both nephrologists and primary care physicians, to help treat the millions of Americans affected. Contact us today to receive the treatment plan perfect for you!

The Importance Of Kidney Care For Diabetics

PRINE Health on 06/27/2023

If you have diabetes, taking care of your kidneys should be a top priority. Your kidney’s main function is to filter out and remove any waste and extra water from your blood. Diabetes is the most common cause of both kidney disease and kidney failure, due to the fact diabetes can lead to your kidneys no longer functioning. Speak with a professional at a medical group in Nassau County if you are concerned with how your diabetes could affect your kidneys. At PRINE Health we can provide you with the proper care and information to help you take care of as well as protect your kidneys.

How Diabetes Damages Your Kidneys:

Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar, which means the kidneys have to work even harder to filter out the waste in your blood. Your kidneys are overworked and damaged protein starts to leak into your urine. Soon after your blood pressure rises, waste builds up in the blood, and kidney function will continue to decrease until you reach kidney failure. If there is no treatment before the kidneys reach kidney failure, a kidney transplant or regular dialysis will be needed to filter out your blood.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease:

Various signs point to kidney disease. Here are some things to look for if you think you could have kidney damage:

High blood pressure
Blood test shows a poor estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
Urine tests show high protein levels
Urinating more often than normal
Swollen ankles
Weight gain
Decrease in appetite
Feeling weak

Ways to Treat Kidney Disease:

If you have diabetes and kidney damage, there are a few ways a medical group in Nassau County may suggest to help you treat your kidney damage or slow down its progression. Here are some of those ways:

Lifestyle changes – Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can help manage your cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure and help your kidneys not have to work too hard. Lifestyle changes including eating less protein, salt, or fat, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking are also recommended.
Medication – Limiting the consumption of painkillers can help slow down kidney damage. If you have diabetes your doctor might prescribe ACE Inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers to also help slow kidney damage and manage blood pressure.
Regular monitoring – Check your blood glucose often to keep your diabetes in check and also check your blood pressure often to make sure it isn’t too high.

How a medical group in Nassau County Can Help You:

If you are diabetic and need guidance on taking care of your kidneys, consider visiting a medical group in Nassau County. At PRINE Health, there are plenty of experienced doctors who can answer questions, keep you informed, and help you take care of your kidneys to ensure that you are in the best health possible. Contact us for more information on how we can help you.

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Chronic Kidney Disease