Diabetes and Kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease has become the final frontier for many Diabetic patients.

With improvement in Diabetes care and introduction of newer generation of antidiabetic medications- the average lifespan of Diabetics has been increased. But alas as Diabetes progresses and if the glucose control falters - kidneys get adversely affected.

Fortunately the status of Kidneys can be assesed by a simple urine test called Microalbumin. This test detects even very small quantities of proteins being secreted through the Kidneys into the urine, and serves as the earliest sign of damage to kidneys. At early stages this damage can be arrested by good control of Diabetes and Blood Pressure and further deterioration of kidney function prevented.

Kidneys perform a very important work of filtering out the toxins and unwanted substances from the blood stream and even reabsorb if some useful substance is leaked out on the way, Kidneys also have a secretory function- they produce some very important hormones which are helpful in producing Hemoglobin, Controlling Blood Pressure and even regulating the immune system.

If kidneys do not perform their function filter the toxins accumulate inside our body and cause damage to all organs.Body is in a constant state of inflammation which increases the chances of Heart Attack and Stroke, Damage to kidneys is progressive and ultimately a stage is reached when only Transplant can save a persons life- this is termed as End stage renal disease ( ESRD).

Its very important to control Both Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure to prevent the irreversible damage to Kidneys and lead a healthy life.