May, 2023 - California Kidney Specialists

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You’ve been living with diabetes for years now, doing your best to keep your blood sugar under control. But even with diligent management, diabetes can lead to complications like diabetic nephropathy, or kidney disease. The good news is the earlier it’s detected, the better the chances of slowing or preventing progression. As a person with diabetes, you should be aware of the risks and work closely with your doctor to monitor for signs of kidney damage. Catching it early is key.

In this article, we’ll explore how regular screening for diabetic nephropathy allows for early detection and treatment. We’ll discuss the simple urine and blood tests your doctor uses to check for kidney disease. We’ll also review the treatment options available, from medication and diet changes to more intensive treatments like dialysis or kidney transplant if needed. The more you know about diabetic nephropathy, the more empowered you’ll feel to take control of your health and future. Knowledge is power, so read on to learn how early detection and proper treatment can help you avoid serious kidney problems down the road.

Early Detection of Diabetic Nephropathy Through Regular Screening

As a diabetic, the health of your kidneys is critical. The best way to catch diabetic nephropathy early is through regular screening. You should get the following tests at least once a year:

Urine albumin test: This checks for albumin, a protein, in your urine. Microalbuminuria, or small amounts of albumin, is usually the first sign of kidney damage in diabetics.
Blood creatinine test: This measures creatinine, a waste product, in your blood. High creatinine levels indicate your kidneys aren’t filtering properly.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): This estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. A GFR below 60 ml/min/1.73m2 for 3 months indicates kidney disease.

The earlier diabetic nephropathy is detected, the better. Kidney damage can often be slowed or prevented if caught in the microalbuminuria stage. See your doctor right away if tests show signs of kidney problems so you can start treatment like improved blood sugar control or blood pressure medication.

With regular screening and proper treatment, most diabetics can avoid or delay serious kidney damage and dialysis. But you must be proactive – get tested, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and make healthy lifestyle changes. Your kidneys will thank you, and you’ll have the peace of mind from knowing you’re doing all you can to stay healthy and independent as you age with diabetes.

Lifestyle Changes and Medications to Slow Disease Progression

To slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy, the most important thing you can do is make lifestyle changes.

Control your blood sugar. Keeping your blood glucose levels in the target range can help prevent further kidney damage. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medication, diet, and exercise.
Eat a kidney-friendly diet. Focus on lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Limit sodium, fat, and processed foods. A balanced diet can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol, which are hard on your kidneys.
Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity most days. Exercise lowers blood sugar levels, blood pressure and helps you maintain a healthy weight. All of which takes the strain off your kidneys.
Limit alcohol and quit smoking. Both can accelerate kidney damage. Talk to your doctor about resources to help you quit.
Take all medications as prescribed. Your doctor may prescribe ACE inhibitors or ARBs to lower blood pressure and slow kidney damage. Be sure to take them exactly as directed.

By making these lifestyle changes, you can gain better control of diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the leading causes of kidney disease. Early detection and treatment offer the best chance of preventing or delaying serious kidney problems. With a commitment to your health, you have the power to change the course of diabetic nephropathy. Staying positive and proactive will serve your kidneys well for years to come.

Seeing a Kidney Specialist for Advanced Treatment Options

Seeking Specialized Care

If your diabetic nephropathy has progressed to stage 3 or higher, it’s time to see a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney care. They can evaluate your kidney function in more depth and determine the best course of treatment to slow the progression of kidney damage.

A nephrologist has advanced training and experience treating chronic kidney disease (CKD). They may order additional tests beyond the standard blood and urine tests to get a clearer picture of your kidney health. Things like a kidney biopsy, imaging scans, and clearance tests can provide more details about the level of scarring and impairment. Based on the results, your nephrologist can then customize a treatment plan for your unique situation.

Strict blood sugar and blood pressure control. Tight control of these is critical to slowing kidney decline.
Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs lower blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Dietary changes reduce waste buildup and ease the kidneys’ workload.
Close monitoring with frequent checkups and testing to watch for any changes.

Seeing a specialist is especially important if your GFR falls below 30 mL/min/1.73m2, indicating moderate to severe loss of kidney function. At this point, your nephrologist may discuss kidney replacement options like dialysis or a transplant to prepare you for the future. While diabetic nephropathy cannot be cured, specialized treatment and management can help delay the progression and allow you to maintain an active, healthy life.

The earlier diabetic nephropathy is detected and treated, the better. But even in later stages, a nephrologist has the experience and knowledge to provide the best care possible for your condition. Don’t delay—ask your doctor for a referral to a kidney specialist today. They can help ensure many more good years ahead.

Conclusion

So there you have it. Early detection and diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy is critical to managing this complication and slowing the progression of kidney damage. By closely monitoring blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and kidney function with regular tests, doctors can catch problems early and make adjustments to medications or treatment plans. The good news is that with proper management, the risks of developing end-stage renal disease can be reduced by up to 50 percent.

The most important thing is that people with diabetes take an active role in their health care. Ask your doctor about getting tested for signs of kidney disease, learn the warning signs to watch out for, take all medications as prescribed, and make healthy lifestyle changes. While diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication, the outlook is much better when it’s caught and treated early. The future is in your hands, so take control of your diabetes management today to avoid or delay problems down the road. Your kidneys will thank you for it!

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Proper kidney function is an essential part of leading a healthy life, so it’s important to get regular kidney function tests (KFTs) to detect any underlying issues. KFTs help identify any abnormalities in the kidneys, urinary tract, and other related organs. They can also be used to monitor existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health problems that can cause kidney damage.

Having a KFT done regularly can help you detect any potential conditions early and avoid serious long-term damage or complications from going untreated. It’s also important to get KFTs if you’re taking medications or other substances that can affect your kidneys. That way your doctor can monitor your results and make sure you don’t have any adverse reactions or changes in your renal health. Regular testing is the best way to ensure proper kidney health for the long term!

Types of Kidney Function Tests: Blood, Urine, Imaging

If you have been experiencing kidney issues, you may need to undergo a kidney function test to evaluate the health of your kidneys. The test evaluates the amount of waste product being removed from the bloodstream by the kidneys and is therefore a great indicator of overall kidney functioning.

Kidney function tests can typically be divided into three main types: blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests.

Blood Tests – Blood tests measure levels of waste products in your bloodstream, like creatinine. They also check electrolyte levels, which are another key indicator of kidney health. Blood tests can provide a detailed picture of how well your kidneys are working and help your doctor diagnose any kidney-related problems you may be experiencing.
Urine Tests – Urine tests allow for a more in-depth look into what is happening in your kidneys. Your urine can tell how much protein and other substances are being eliminated from your body as well as which substances are not being filtered correctly by the kidneys. This information can then be used to determine whether there is an issue with one or both of your kidneys that needs to be addressed.
Imaging Tests – Imaging tests use X-rays or ultrasound technology to take pictures inside your body and help identify structures or malfunctions within them. In this particular case, imaging tests can provide a detailed look at any blockages or abnormalities within the renal system and can help determine if there’s an underlying cause for any issues you may be experiencing with your kidneys.

Overall, these Kidney Function Tests make it possible for doctors to accurately diagnose any underlying issues with your kidneys so that you can get the proper care needed for

How Kidney Function Tests Work

You might be wondering exactly what happens when you get a kidney function test. Well, these tests work by measuring the amount of certain elements in your blood or urine. These elements can include creatinine and urea nitrogen, which are both naturally produced by your body and indicators of kidney health.

Blood Tests

A sample of your blood is taken and analyzed to measure the levels of these elements. The results from these tests will give doctors insights into how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your body. Depending on the severity of any issues, treatment options may be discussed with you if necessary.

Urine Tests

Various urine tests can also be done to further analyze the waste in your kidneys. These tests include:

Urinalysis — This test looks for abnormalities in urine color, clarity, proteins, sugar, ketones, and other substances that may indicate kidney disease or another illness.
24-Hour Urine Test — For this test, you’ll be required to collect all of your urine in a given day to measure an entire day’s worth of waste and other substances excreted by the kidneys such as sodium and creatinine.
Creatinine Clearance Test — This measures creatinine levels in both urine and blood samples to determine how much creatinine is cleared from your body per minute – which directly reflects how well kidney filtration is working.

So there you have it – now you know how kidney function tests work!

Interpreting the Results: What Do My Kidney Function Test Scores Mean?

Now that we’ve gone over what your kidney function tests are and the types of tests that exist, let’s talk about how to interpret the results.

The first thing you’ll want to look at is the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This number gives you an estimate of your kidneys’ ability to filter waste from your blood. Typically, an eGFR between 60-90 is healthy for adults. A score lower than that could be an indicator of kidney damage or disease.

If any of your kidney function test results exceed laboratory reference values, it could indicate a kidney disorder. Your doctor or healthcare provider will explain what these terms mean, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan to manage any further care you may need.

It’s important to note that in some cases, abnormalities in kidney function can be identified without needing any tests at all. Symptoms like swelling in ankles or legs, fatigue or difficulty sleeping, and decreased urine output are all signs of possible issues with your kidneys that should be addressed by a qualified healthcare provider immediately.

Ultimately, understanding the purpose and procedure behind kidney function tests can help you get insight into your overall health—so if you’re concerned about possible issues with your kidneys, it’s important to get tested right away to make sure everything is functioning properly!

The Best Kidney Specialists and Nephrologists in the US

Getting the best treatment for your kidneys is essential for good health and longer life. That’s why it’s important to find the best kidney specialists and nephrologists in the United States California Kidney Specialists is one of the largest kidney care groups In Southern California with over 35 years of dedicated service & has a team of experienced nephrologists, kidney transplant specialists and kidney transplant surgeons in California.

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