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Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Diabetes happens when the body cannot produce or properly utilise insulin, a hormone that regulates your blood sugar levels. Over time, extremely high blood sugar levels can damage various organs in the body, including the kidneys. In fact, diabetes is the primary reason for kidney failure in India. That's why early intervention is crucial for maintaining good kidney health in people with diabetes.

 

In this article, we'll discuss diabetes causes, diabetes symptoms, and diabetes type 2 symptoms. We'll also explore the symptoms of high blood sugar and how diabetes can lead to kidney damage. Finally, we'll offer tips for managing diabetes and maintaining kidney health through early intervention and proactive management strategies.

 

Diabetes Causes

 

Diabetes can be due to various reasons. However, here are some common diabetes causes:

 

  1. Genetics: Genetics can play a huge role in the onset of diabetes, with certain families more likely to develop the disorder if others before them have diabetes. 
  2. Poor lifestyle: Lifestyle choices are just as influential - if not more so - when it comes to developing such a condition. 
  3. Poor Diet: Eating unhealthy, processed foods with high levels of sugar is a big contributor to diabetes, as well as living a sedentary life and having a poor exercise regime. 
  4. Environmental factors: These factors are also known to be connected to developing diabetes. This includes how we deal with stress and our exposure to toxins or pollutants. High levels of air pollution or being exposed to certain chemicals has been linked to the development of diabetes in some cases!

 

Diabetes Symptoms

 

There are various diabetes symptoms. However, here are some common ones:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination 
  • Fatigue or exhaustion without any real reason
  • Blurry vision
  • Tingling or numbness

 

Diabetes type 2 symptoms include: 

  • Slow healing wounds
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Increased hunger or appetite leading to weight gain
  • Frequent yeast infections
  • Depression or unusual mood changes
  • Poor concentration
  • Irritability

Watch out for sustained high temperatures (hyperthermia) also because these may also be signs that something is wrong with your glucose control.

 

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

 

High blood sugar is also called hyperglycemia. This occurs when blood sugar levels are consistently above the normal range. Some common symptoms of high blood sugar include:

 

  1. Increased thirst and urination: Since your body tries to flush out excess sugar in the bloodstream, it can lead to increased thirst and more frequent urination.
  2. Fatigue: High blood sugar levels can cause fatigue and weakness, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities.
  3. Blurred vision: High sugar can cause the lenses in the eyes to swell, leading to blurry vision.
  4. Irritability: Changes in blood sugar levels can affect mood and cause irritability.

 

Why Is Early Intervention Important?

 

Early intervention is key when it comes to monitoring your kidney health if you have diabetes. Lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and eating healthy are important for everyone but are especially critical for those with diabetes as they can help prevent or delay kidney damage associated with this condition. 

 

Medications such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs can also help slow down the progression of kidney damage by widening blood vessels and reducing stress on the kidneys. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team in order to make sure you’re taking appropriate steps to preserve your kidney health as best as possible. 

 

Managing Diabetes and Maintaining Kidney Health

 

There are several strategies that people with diabetes can use to manage their condition and maintain good kidney health:

 

  1. Monitor blood sugar levels: Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels can help people with diabetes identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to their diet, exercise routine, and diabetes medicine.
  2. Maintain a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help people with diabetes to regulate their blood sugar levels, manage their weight, and reduce their risk of other health complications. A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean protein sources is recommended.
  3. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help people with diabetes improve their blood sugar control, maintain a healthy weight, and lower their risk of heart disease and other complications.
  4. Take diabetes medicine as prescribed: Medications like insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Other medications may also be prescribed to manage other health problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
  5. Manage other health conditions: People with diabetes should also manage other health conditions that can increase their risk of kidney damage, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help manage these conditions.

 

Conclusion

 

Diabetes is a chronic disease that can result in various complications, including kidney damage, if left untreated. That's why early intervention is crucial for maintaining good kidney health in people with diabetes. By monitoring blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and taking medications as prescribed, people with diabetes can manage their condition and reduce their risk of kidney damage. 

 

Regular monitoring of kidney function through blood and urine tests can also help identify any potential problems early on, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. By taking proactive steps to manage their condition, people with diabetes can live healthy, fulfilling lives and maintain good kidney health for years to come.

 

Think you might be at risk of diabetes? Consult with your nearest expert endocrinologist today!

 

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