Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in society. Many people know diabetes as a blood sugar disorder, but not everyone realizes that it can also affect various organs, including the kidneys. In the long term, uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of kidney disease.
The link between diabetes and kidney health isn't something that happens suddenly. It develops slowly, often without symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, understanding how diabetes affects the kidneys is crucial in managing this disease.
How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?
The kidneys function to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. In diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This damage gradually reduces the kidneys' filtering ability.
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in diabetes put excessive pressure on the kidney's filtering units, called glomeruli. Over time, these structures can deteriorate. This condition is known as diabetic nephropathy, a chronic complication of diabetes.
Why is it Important to Be Aware of the Risk of Kidney Disorders in Diabetes?
Kidney damage caused by diabetes often develops slowly. In the early stages, people with diabetes may not experience any symptoms. However, over time, kidney function can progressively decline.
Several factors that can increase the risk of kidney disorders in diabetes patients include:
- Long-term uncontrolled diabetes
- High blood pressure that accompanies diabetes
- Family history of kidney disease
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking habit
Early Signs of Kidney Disorders in Diabetes Patients
In the early stages, kidney damage due to diabetes is usually indicated by the presence of protein in the urine. This condition can only be diagnosed through laboratory tests. Therefore, diabetes patients are advised to have regular urine and kidney function tests.
As the disease progresses, some symptoms that may appear include:
- Swelling in the feet or ankles
- Easily tired
- Changes in frequency of urination
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
However, it's important to understand that not all diabetes patients will experience obvious symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, prevention and early detection are key.
Steps Diabetes Patients Can Take
Diabetes patients can take several simple steps to maintain kidney health, including:
- Routinely check blood sugar levels as recommended by medical personnel.
- Have regular kidney function checks, including urine tests and blood creatinine checks.
- Maintain a balanced diet, by limiting sugar and salt intake.
- Be active, because physical activity helps control diabetes.
- Take medication as directed by your doctor and do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor.
This approach is not only to prevent kidney disorders, but also to reduce the risk of other complications of diabetes.
Why is Diabetes Education So Important?
Diabetes is a disease that requires long-term management. Without adequate understanding, the risk of complications such as kidney failure can increase without warning. Education helps diabetes patients better understand their condition and take appropriate action early.
With regular monitoring and good diabetes management, many patients can still carry out daily activities productively. The key lies in consistency and awareness of the importance of maintaining overall health.
When Do You Need to See a Doctor?
When diabetes affects the kidneys, the process usually progresses slowly and isn't always accompanied by obvious symptoms. Therefore, diabetes patients need to understand that blood sugar management isn't just about avoiding temporary symptoms, but also about protecting vital organs like the kidneys.
A calm, structured approach based on regular checkups can help reduce the risk of kidney problems in diabetes. If you or a family member is living with diabetes, don't hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional regularly to ensure kidney function is maintained.
Article written by dr. Elyanawati, Sp.PD (Specialist in Internal Medicine at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).