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What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease that affects how your body regulates blood sugar (glucose). There are two main types:
Type 1 diabetes
In this type, the body doesn't produce enough insulin, a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose for energy. This happens because the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes
This is the most common type, where the body either doesn't use insulin effectively (insulin resistance) or doesn't produce enough insulin. This can be caused by several factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices like overweight/obesity lack of physical activity, and age.
Synopsis
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes?
Symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and severity, but some common ones include:
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Increased thirst and urination
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Fatigue
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Blurred vision
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Increased hunger
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Unexplained weight loss
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Slow-healing wounds
Manipal Hospitals Kharadi is equipped with the latest technologies to support accurate diagnosis and treatment of Diabetes and conditions related to diabetes.
Impact of diabetes on the body
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High Blood Sugar
When your body doesn't have enough insulin or can't use it properly, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of entering your cells. This leads to high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia.
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Long-term Consequences
Over time, high blood sugar can damage various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. This can lead to serious health complications like vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and heart disease.
Is there a relation between diabetes and Kidney Issues?
Diabetes can have a significant impact on the kidneys, and it's important to understand how to protect them if you have this condition. Manipal Hospitals Kharadi has some of the best nephrologists and urologists to help you find the right treatment.
How does Diabetes cause harm to Kidneys? A simple breakdown
The culprit: high blood sugar
The main culprit behind the effect of diabetes on kidney is high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia. Over time, consistently high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels within the kidneys, which are essential for filtering waste products from your blood.
The process of damage:
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Blood Vessel Damage
High blood sugar weakens and thickens the blood vessel walls, reducing blood flow to the kidneys. This reduces the efficiency of the filtration process.
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Nephron Damage
The nephrons are the functional units of the kidneys responsible for filtration. With impaired blood flow, they become starved of oxygen and nutrients, leading to gradual damage.
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Protein Leakage
As the nephrons become damaged, they start to leak protein into the urine, a condition called albuminuria. This is an early sign of kidney damage.
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Scarring and Inflammation
Chronic inflammation and scarring further compromise the nephrons' function, eventually leading to kidney failure if left unchecked.
Additional factors:
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High blood pressure
Often co-occurs with diabetes and can further accelerate kidney damage.
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Genetics
Some individuals are genetically predisposed to kidney disease.
What can I do for kidney care, if I have Diabetes?
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Manage your blood sugar
This is the cornerstone of preventing kidney damage. Aim for healthy blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication as prescribed by your doctor.
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Control blood pressure
Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range is crucial for protecting your kidneys.
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Regular checkups
Get your kidneys checked regularly through urine and blood tests to detect any early signs of damage.
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Healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and staying active can all contribute to better kidney health.
Conclusion
One thing to always remember is that early detection and intervention are key to preventing or slowing down kidney damage from diabetes. Consulting a nephrologist and getting diagnosed timely is your first step towards kidney care. Following the advice of your doctor is the next. To find the best care for your loved ones and to know what is the reason for diabetes, read our blog on maintaining kidney health. Visit the best nephrology hospital in Pune and experience world-class medical care.
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