HOW CAN YOU PREVENT DIABETES FROM PROGRESSING INTO KIDNEY DISEASE?

Since one of the big risk factors for diabetes-based End-Stage
Renal Disease (ESRD) is hypertension, drugs used to lower blood
pressure (antihypertensive drugs) can slow the progression of
kidney disease significantly. One drug, an angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, has proven effective in preventing
progression to stages IV and V.1 Calcium channel blockers,
another class of antihypertensive drugs, also show promise.

Some, but not all, calcium channel blockers may be able to
decrease proteinuria (loss of protein into the urine) and
damage to kidney tissue. Researchers are investigating
whether combinations of calcium channel blockers and ACE
inhibitors might be more effective than either treatment
used alone. Patients with even mild hypertension or persistent
microalbuminuria (presence of albumin, a component of protein,
in the urine) should consult a physician about the use of
antihypertensive medicines.

A diet containing reduced amounts of protein may benefit
people with kidney disease of diabetes. In people with
diabetes, excessive consumption of protein may be harmful.
Experts recommend that most patients with stage III or
stage IV nephropathy consume moderate amounts of protein.

If you have diabetes:

Have your doctor measure your glycohemoglobin regularly.
The HbA1c test averages your level of blood sugar for the
previous 1-3 months.

Follow your doctor's advice regarding insulin injections,
medicines, diet, exercise, and monitoring your blood sugar.

Have your blood pressure checked several times a year.
If blood pressure is high, follow your doctor's plan
for keeping it near normal levels.

Ask your doctor whether you might benefit from receiving
an ACE inhibitor.

Have your urine checked yearly for microalbumin and protein.
If there is protein in your urine, have your blood checked
for elevated amounts of waste products such as creatinine.

Ask your doctor whether you should reduce the
amount of protein in your diet.

YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ:

Are You At Risk for Carotid Artery Disease?
http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/610.shtml

Children May Have Cholesterol Problems, Too
http://diabeticgourmet.com/articles/606.shtml

The Diabetic Newsletter - September 07, 2009 - DiabeticNetwork.com