How Diabetes and Hypertension Affect Kidney Health
Living with uncontrolled high blood sugar (diabetes) or high blood pressure (hypertension) can pose a significant risk to your kidneys’ well-being. Medical experts have affirmed the link between these chronic illnesses and compromised kidney health, underlining the need for timely management and intervention. Considering Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) affects approximately 15% of the general US population, according to the National Kidney Foundation, it’s time we took a deep breath and dived headfirst into the management of diabetes and hypertension.
The Damaging Effects Of Diabetes And Hypertension On Kidney Health
Hypertension and diabetes significantly impact kidney health, as both conditions can damage the kidneys’ tiny blood vessels over time. With diabetes, the body’s abnormally high blood sugar levels can lead to glomerulosclerosis. In this condition, the kidneys’ small filtering units, the glomeruli, become scarred and unable to filter waste and toxins from the bloodstream effectively, leading to kidney disease. Almost 1 in 3 people with diabetes will have Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney disease), and it is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.
Similarly, hypertension forces the heart to pump blood more intensely, placing extra pressure on all blood vessels, including the delicate ones in the kidneys. The consistent force exerted by high blood pressure can cause kidney damage and eventual kidney disease. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes, as 25% of kidney patients have high blood pressure as the main cause of their kidney failure.
Together, uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension can lead to accelerated kidney damage, potentially resulting in kidney failure.
The Importance Of Kidney Health
Your kidneys are small but mighty. They are your body’s filtration system, removing waste products from your bloodstream to help maintain a healthy internal environment. However, high blood sugar levels and pressure can overload them, causing irreversible damage. Therefore, managing diabetes and hypertension is necessary for maintaining healthy kidneys.
The Careful Management Of Diabetes
While there’s no definitive cure for diabetes, you can manage the disease and take the strain off of your kidneys.
The critical step in managing diabetes is maintaining a balanced diet. By consuming high-fiber, low-sugar meals, you limit the amount of sugar that enters your bloodstream, reducing strain on your kidneys. Next, practice regular exercise. Physical activity helps to regulate your blood sugar, preventing drastic swings that can cause damage to your kidneys. Lastly, make sure to attend those doctor appointments. Regular check-ups ensure you’re on the right track and catch potential complications early.
Controlling Hypertension
Regular exercise benefits individuals with high blood pressure as well. By engaging in regular physical activity, you strengthen the heart, reducing the force needed to pump blood, thus lowering your blood pressure. A healthy diet (low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables) also lowers blood pressure. Just as with diabetes, regular check-ups are a necessary step in managing your hypertension.
Listen To Your Body: Common Symptoms Of Kidney Health Issues Triggered By Diabetes Or Hypertension
Poor kidney health, often exacerbated by diabetes and hypertension, can manifest through several common symptoms. People might experience fatigue and weakness due to the kidneys’ inability to make enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Another common symptom is swelling or puffiness, especially around the ankles, eyes, and feet, due to kidneys being unable to remove enough excess fluid from the body. An increased need to urinate, especially at night, changes in urine appearance, or a decrease in urine output can also indicate kidney issues.
Other symptoms include persistent itching resulting from the buildup of waste in the blood, a lack of appetite, and concentration problems. Noticing blood or protein in the urine, often discovered during routine urine tests, is another critical sign of poor kidney health.
It’s essential to remember that these symptoms might not become noticeable until kidney function has significantly decreased, highlighting the importance of regular monitoring and early intervention, especially for those with diabetes or hypertension.
Your Health, Our Mission: Exploring The Benefits Of Regular Kidney Function Tests With PRINE Health
At PRINE Health, your health is our top priority. Regular kidney function tests are important to detect problems early. Don’t wait for symptoms to show. If you have diabetes or hypertension, schedule regular check-ups to stay ahead of any kidney-related concerns. By managing these conditions, you are securing your kidney health and promoting your overall well-being.
Book your consultation today and protect your kidney health with us. Don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with all our news and insights about our multidisciplinary approach to kidney care.
