Overview

Diabetes affects the metabolism of the body. When a person eats food, the body breaks it down into glucose or sugar that is released into the bloodstream. The pancreas of a person secretes insulin whenever the sugar level goes high. Insulin uses blood sugar, or glucose, as a source of energy. When this process gets disturbed, and insulin is not secreted adequately by the pancreas, this condition is known as diabetes. Let’s understand the causes, symptoms, and how it affects the kidneys functioning.

What are the Symptoms of diabetes?

The common symptoms of diabetes are:

- Fatigue
- Increased level of urination
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of thirst
- Increased hunger
- Sudden weight loss
- Tingling and numbness of hands and feet
- Infections such as skin and gums

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes develop slowly, and for several years, people don’t even know they have diabetes. Conversely, symptoms of type 1 diabetes quickly start showing.

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes can be Type 1 and Type 2, depending on how and why it occurs.

Type 1 Diabetes

As per studies in this field, the causes of Type 1 diabetes are unknown, but it is believed to be an auto-immune disorder in which a person’s own immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them, making it challenging to produce insulin. A genetic component may increase the risk of Type 1 diabetes. Factors such as environmental toxins, viruses, and stressful life events may possibly trigger Type 1 diabetes, although it is not definitively proven as yet.

Type 2 Diabetes

The causes of diabetes mellitus type 2 are dependent on several factors. These can be genetic and environmental. Here are some of the most common causes of diabetes:

- Unhealthy Lifestyle - It is characterised by a poor diet, lack of physical exercise, and obesity. Poor dietary choices, such as a diet high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats, affect blood sugar levels and can lead to insulin resistance. Additionally, physical inactivity and obesity are also linked to Type 2 diabetes.
- Genetic Factors - These factors also have an effect on the risk of diabetes mellitus type 2. Certain genes can predispose individuals to develop this disease due to changes in metabolism and impaired insulin secretion.
- Psychological Factors - Although these factors are still being debated, certain studies indicate psychological factors like anxiety, depression, and stress are responsible for type 2 diabetes.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors for diabetes, such as

- Being overweight or obese
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Having high blood pressure
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- High cholesterol level
- Having a sedentary lifestyle

It is important to stay active and maintain a healthy diet to control diabetes.

Diagnosis of diabetes

Diagnosis of diabetes usually involves a series of tests to check blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and other factors. Some common test includes:

- Blood sugar test - Doctors performed blood sugar tests to detect high blood sugar levels. By knowing the patient's blood sugar level, they can take steps to keep it under control.
- Oral glucose tolerance test - The oral glucose tolerance test is a blood test used to evaluate the glucose tolerance of individuals. The test measures the amount of glucose in a person's blood after eating. It is used to diagnose diabetes and monitor the effectiveness of diabetes treatments.
- A1C test - It is a blood test used to monitor the progress of diabetes. The test measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over the past two to three months.

What is the Link between Diabetes and Kidney Disease?

Diabetes doesn't just affect blood sugar levels if uncontrolled; it can also have serious complications for the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, but high blood sugar levels can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys. This damage can lead to diabetic nephropathy or diabetic kidney disease.

The link between diabetes and kidney disease is well-established. Diabetes is a major risk factor for developing chronic kidney disease, which is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged, leading to a decreased ability to filter waste from the body and, in some cases, complete organ failure. When diabetes is not managed correctly, high blood lipids, sugars, and pressure can narrow or even block the tiny vessels in the kidneys, thus causing damage. In addition, excess glucose in the body can deposit itself into the tissue of the liver and kidneys, increasing the risk of developing infections or infection-related damage.

Over time, diabetic nephropathy can cause the kidneys to lose their ability to function properly. As a result, waste products and fluids build up in the body, leading to swelling in the ankles or legs, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. If left untreated, diabetic kidney disease could progress to end-stage renal failure, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation for survival.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a chronic disease that disturbs the functioning of the pancreas and reduces or limits insulin secretion in the body. A person suffering from diabetes may also have hypertension, which leads to kidney diseases and damage. Understanding the basics of diabetes and how it affects kidneys help in taking suitable steps toward prevention.

FAQ about Diabetic Nephropathy

Q. What are the signs of diabetic kidney disease? A. The early symptoms of diabetic kidney disease include:

- Shortness of breath
- Presence of protein in the urine
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Vomiting and nausea
- Confusion and concentration difficulty

Q. What is diabetic nephropathy? A. Diabetic nephropathy is a type of kidney disease that can affect people with diabetes. It's caused by high blood sugar levels damaging the small blood vessels in your kidneys, which can lead to inflammation and scarring.

Q. What are the risk factors for diabetes? A. There are many risk factors for diabetes, it includes:

- Overweight or obese
- Having a family history of the disease
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Eating a diet high in sugar
- Processed foods
- Lack of physical activity

Q. What are the 4 main signs of diabetes? A. The 4 main signs of diabetes include

- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Tingling and numbness of hands and feet