What is Diabetic Nephropathy?

Diabetic nephropathy (Diabetic Kidney Disease) is defined as the progressive damage to the kidneys caused by diabetes. It is characterised by the scarring of the glomeruli in the kidneys due to prolonged diabetes mellitus.

What Causes Diabetic Nephropathy?

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high concentration of blood sugar. Although the cause of Diabetes Nephropathy is not yet well defined, it is likely that the high sugar levels in the blood damage the blood vessels present in the kidneys that help to filter waste products, thus resulting in decreased kidney function and ultimately, kidney failure.

Not everyone with diabetes suffers from diabetic nephropathy. Although, factors that can increase your chances of getting diabetic neuropathy are-

Smoking

Poor control of blood glucose

High blood pressure

History of kidney diseases

What are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy?

In the early stages, there may be no symptoms at all, but as the disease progresses, you may notice swelling in the extremities like your feet. Thus it is recommended to get your blood albumin levels tested on a regular basis. If it is diagnosed in early stages, the damage can be reversed. Other symptoms that can indicate damage to the kidneys are-

Severe malaise

Headaches

Nausea

Lack of appetite

Frequent voiding

Itchiness of skin

General feeling of illness

Diagnostic tests that can confirm diabetic nephropathy are-

Routine urine test (urinalysis) - Kidney diseases are detected by the presence of a protein in the urine called albumin and this condition is called albuminuria. Other parameters that must be regularly monitored are-

Blood pressure

Cholesterol levels in your blood

How can you treat/ manage diabetic nephropathy?

If this type of nephropathy is diagnosed in the early stages, the damage to the kidneys can be reversible. The key to managing diabetic nephropathy are-

Diet: Reduce the dietary intake of salt, phosphorous and potassium in the advanced stages.

Glycemic Control: Monitor your blood glucose levels regularly

Management of Hypertension: It is important to manage your blood pressure as it can have a direct effect on the coronary blood vessels which in turn pump blood to the various blood vessels of the body

Renal Replacement Therapy: In chronically ill patients, renal replacement therapy is the best option. This can include haemodialysis (a procedure to flush out toxins from the blood, such as urea), peritoneal dialysis or ultimately renal transplantation.

Diabetic Nephropathy - Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

In today s time, most of the individuals want to find the natural solutions to their health problems in the least possible time. An increasing number of individuals suffer from different types of health problems due to changing lifestyle and increased stress levels. Renal calculi which are kidney stones are some of the most commonly occurring health disorders in the latest times. Kidney stones occur due to urinal diseases, lack of water, diet, hereditary as well as already present conditions like gout. Here are the useful ways to cure renal calculi in the field of Ayurveda.

Dietary changes are one of the prime ayurvedic solutions for curing renal calculi. Lack of awareness of proper diet and lifestyle often leads to the occurrence of the renal calculi. It leads to the requirement of a change in diet. Kidney stone formation improves with the increased consumption of the products like animal protein, increased consumption of the calcium as well as sodium leads to the development of renal calculi at any age. Therefore, if an individual wants to get rid of renal calculi, then he should ensure the gradual reduction of consumption of these foods.

Juice of banana stem is highly useful for curing renal calculi cases. It is rich in fiber. Also, the juice is known to consist of diuretic properties which ensures proper care of the kidneys and thus prevents further development of the kidney stones and cures the present ones. You can have banana juice, along with cardamom. Also, if you want a better taste, then you can have it along with yogurt and cumin. You can combine banana stem juice with lime for a change. 

All of these combinations will provide you relief from the difficulty due to kidney calculi.

Panchakarma therapy is a renowned Ayurvedic method to get rid of renal calculi from the patient's body. It is a successful treatment for detoxification of the body in the best ways. This ensures that individuals with kidney stones can quickly get a natural cure for their health condition and revive their lives again.
Basil leaves are known for their herbal benefits for several types of health issues in the body. If a person is suffering from renal calculi, then consuming basil leaves along with water provides appreciating relief to the body. They act as therapeutic leaves in the body.
Lemon juice is a natural juice which provides immense benefits to the body. It is one of the best natural juices for detoxification of the body. It induces the tendency of increased urination. This prevents the formation and deposition of the kidney stones in the body at any age.
Thus, if you utilize these ayurvedic ways on a regular basis, then soon you will find yourself free from renal calculi. 

Renal Calculi - Different Ayurvedic Remedies That Can Help!

Kidney failure or infections are usually unsafe and serious diseases. Their consequences affect every single other organ in the body. Minor problems in the kidney may demonstrate no side effects. However, when the sickness progresses, it can bring about numerous serious indications, for example, seizure, tissue squandering, gastrointestinal bleeding and a failure state. Total kidney failure requires routine dialysis until a transplant operation can be performed.

Homeopathy, on the other hand, is a very effective cure for kidney problems. It eradicates the problem from its roots and helps prevent any further diseases and problems in the kidney. Homoeopathic solutions have had been successful in treating kidney diseases for which standard prescription give no cure and are not effective. Some of the homoeopathic cures are as follows:

Ammonium carb's rubrics: Taken when there is excruciating pee. This includes white, burning, insufficient, painful or orange urine with drowsiness and weakness.
Apis mel's rubrics: These are used when there is general oedema or swelling, kidney aggravation and inability to pass urine.
Arsenic alb's rubrics: This occurs when there is trouble in passing urine. Also useful in case of uremia, nephritis, urgent need to urinate or urinating without knowing.
Aurum met's rubrics: When there is difficulty in maintenance of urine and the urine constitutes of mucous like residue.
Berberis' rubrics: When there is hypertension, renal (kidney) stones, dull yellow or green urine and neuralgic pain originating from the kidneys.
Cannabis indica s rubric: Used in case of a urinary tract diseases.
Cantharsis' rubrics: This is used in cases of delicacy in kidney regions, renal colic and nephritis (kidney irritation).
Chelidonium's rubrics: These are effective when a person goes through the urge of urinating a lot at night when there are abundant urination and pale white pee.
Cuprum Aas' rubrics: When there is kidney failure, excruciating pee and stained pee.
Cuprum met's rubrics: It is used when a person goes through bed-wetting, extremely watery urine, and feels shooting pain in the urethra.
Helonia's rubrics: Used when there is kidney irritation, albuminous (white) pee, sickliness, cramps and bluntness.
Juniper's rubrics: Used when there is difficulty in retaining water.
Kali carb's rubric: Used in case of kidney stones, and is a general solution for problems in the kidneys.
Sanicula's rubrics: Used when the bladder is swollen, there are kidney stones and kidney irritation.
Terebinthum's rubrics: When there is blood in the urine, kidney irritation and urinary tract aggravation.
Urea's rubrics: In cases of are general oedema (swelling because of water maintenance) and extreme pain in the urethra.
Opium's rubrics: Used in cases of uremia (a type of blood disease), general oedema, dark stool, white urine, concealment of urine, swelling of the stomach, mucous-like urine and uremic shakings.

Best Homeopathic Treatment of Kidney Disease & Disorders - Try Now

The kidneys are the purifiers of the body; they help in removing the waste from the body through the urine. In those suffering from kidney diseases, the function of the kidney is affected, and so their ability to clear out waste from the body is reduced and completely lost gradually. However, waste continues to form, and therefore, such patients have to undergo dialysis, where the blood is purified through an external device.

The frequency and duration of the dialysis would depend on how effectively the kidneys are still functioning and how much waste has been formed from the time of the previous dialysis session. The person s overall body mass index (BMI) and the water weight gained are also considered.

Once it is decided that a person s kidneys are damaged and dialysis is required, the person has to prepare for a long-term process. The following outlines what to expect before, during, and after the dialysis sessions. 

Before the session: 

Since most people prefer to get it done at a dialysis centre, it is preferable to plan for it, three treatments a week on an average, with each session lasting about 4 to 4 hours.

During the session: 

The blood flows through the dialysis device, which acts as an artificial kidney. The sequence of events are as follows:
The Weight is checked
Vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and pulse are checked.
The access areas are washed, and needles are used to connect these areas to the dialysis machine. Anesthesia may be used in the beginning to reduce the pain in this area.
The same access areas are used for each session, and over a period of time, buttonholes are formed which is like a small tunnel.
Though the session would last about 3 to 4 days, normal activities can be done, including reading, working on a laptop, watching television, or even sleeping.
Once the dialysis session is complete, the tube will be removed and a dressing is placed over the site.
After the session

The same site is used each time for the dialysis, so for the first couple of sessions, there could be discomfort. There could also be nausea, diarrhoea, cramping, and headaches.
The treatment needs to be adjusted based on symptoms, so please let the doctor know if you experience any symptoms.

Call the doctor if you are facing the following:

Bleeding from the access site
Inflammatory signs around the site
Persistent fever of over 104 degrees
Numbness or weakness in the arms
Confusion, drowsiness, or cognition problems
Though initially uncomfortable, once you get into the dialysis schedule, you will notice the difference of how cleansed you will feel after each session.

Undergoing Dialysis - What To Expect From It?

One single kidney in place of two is a scenario which is often termed as solitary kidney.

Who has a solitary kidney?

Their body functions normally and are generally not unhealthy. This is also known as renal agenesis.
In some cases, people are born with two kidneys with just one of them healthy and fully functional. The other one does not function fully or partially. This condition is known as kidney dysplasia.
A person who had to undergo a kidney removal surgery (nephrectomy); such a surgery is conducted when a person has an infected kidney or diseased, malfunctioning/cancerous growths on the kidney.
A person who has donated a kidney to someone who required kidney transplantation.
What potential health risks does a person with a solitary kidney have?

Normally, a person born with a single kidney does not have any such potential health risks. They are generally healthy and lead normal lives.
Later in life, there may or may not be slight loss or degradation in the functioning of the kidney.
The life span of a person with a single kidney is normal. There is no apparent effect on the mortality rates.
What kind of special diet must a person with a single kidney follow?

There is no need of any such special diet for a person with a single kidney.
Normal healthy balanced diet with all the essential nutrients should suffice.
You must be careful about your animal protein intake and calcium supplements.
Drink sufficient quantity of water to remain hydrated all day and prevent the urine from turning acidic.
Controlled consumption of alcohol and caffeine is a must. It is also important to reduce the consumption of aerated drinks.
Exercises and Physical activities for a person with a single kidney:

A person with a solitary kidney can function like any other normal individual.
You may also participate in sports. However, you must take enough precaution to prevent injuries to your kidney. Proper padding and protection around your lower abdominal region and back is of utmost necessity.
You can hit the gym, run a marathon and nothing is impossible for you.

Living With Solitary Kidney - Things You Need to Know!

Kidneys and Kidney Diseases

The kidneys are organs which aim to filter out huge amounts of blood to produce 1-2 quarts of urine. They also perform the task of filtering out the excessive waste materials from the blood stream.

However, there can be cases when infection enters your bloodstream and affects your kidneys. This can cause serious kidney diseases such as cysts, stones and cancer.

Diabetes: What is it and how does it affect your kidneys?

Diabetes is a condition which is caused when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (Type 1 Diabetes) or when your body doesn t react to the insulin in a normal way (Type 2 Diabetes). The sugar in your food cannot be broken down effectively which can result in problems in your kidneys.

The glucose content in your blood causes considerable damage to the filters in your kidneys. When the filters in the kidney are damaged, a particular protein called albumin releases into your blood and your urine. The damage in the kidneys can affect the kidney function and obstruct the filtering out of wastes from the blood.

Thus, diabetes could be attributed as a major cause of kidney disease.

Managing Diabetes-

Managing diabetes is crucial to avoid kidney diseases. However, diabetes doesn t have a proper cure which is why it is even more important to take care of your health in such cases.

Here are a few ways in which diabetic patients can aim to be healthy and prevent kidney diseases:

Quit Smoking: Smoking increases diabetic complications such as nerve damage and heart strokes which can in-turn affect your kidneys  functions adversely. Hence, it is advisable to quit smoking to keep diabetes under control.

Healthy Meals: Opt for healthy meals which are balanced and packed with nutrients as they help in increasing the insulin function in your body. Foods such as green leafy vegetables, legumes, fruits and lean meat should be included in your meals.

Engage in Physical Exercise: A diabetic person needs to engage in physical exercise in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Obesity can increase your chances of complications and can be detrimental to your kidneys as well.

How Does Managing Diabetes Help Your Kidneys?

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