Risk Factors And Complications Of Diabetic Nephropathy!

Uncontrolled diabetes is known to cause many complications, including an impact on kidney functioning. This condition is called diabetic nephropathy, it is the main cause of kidney failure. It can be prevented or delayed only by keeping your sugar levels under control and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What are the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy?

Diabetic nephropathy is the main reason for kidney failure, and it might not be possible to notice the early signs or symptoms for it. In case you observe any of the following signs, you should check with your doctor:

• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Water retention or edema
• Increased need to urinate
• Confusion or difficulty in concentrating
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry skin
• Weakness

Who is at risk of developing diabetic neuropathy?

The main reason for diabetic neuropathy is uncontrolled diabetes. Several factors which may increase your risk of diabetic nephropathy are:

• Uncontrolled hyperglycemia
• Uncontrolled hypertension
• Smoking
• High blood cholesterol
• Family history

Uncontrolled diabetic neuropathy and its complications:

Diabetic nephropathy develops gradually over the years, and impacts other organs as well. The other complications are:

• Water retention that causes swelling in your legs, ankle, and arms
• Excessive fluid buildup in lungs

How to prevent the progression of diabetic neuropathy?

Controlled blood sugar levels can help in reducing the risk, as well as the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The following lifestyle changes will help to control diabetes:

• Eat healthy foods with low GI (glycemic index)
• Exercise daily
• Say no to smoking and tobacco in any form
• Avoid alcohol
• Monitor your blood glucose and blood pressure levels regularly
• Don’t skip medications and insulins
• Go for your health check-ups regularly
• Increased potassium levels in blood
• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Diabetic retinopathy  (damage to the blood vessels of the retina/eyes)
• Anemia
• Foot sores
• Erectile dysfunction

In case of pregnancy, it can be harmful for both the mother and the fetus

• Kidney failure