Diabetes is a disease in which blood sugar levels become chronically high, damaging blood vessels throughout the body. It also affects the kidneys,diabetic nephropathyThis causes renal dysfunction called
As nephropathy progresses, dialysis becomes necessary, which can greatly limit one's life. However, if detected early and appropriate measures are taken, the progression can be slowed.
What is diabetic nephropathy?
The kidneys are organs that filter blood and expel unwanted waste products and excess water as urine. When blood sugar levels remain high due to diabetes, the small blood vessels (glomeruli) in the kidneys become damaged and filtration function declines.
In the early stages, there are few symptoms and they may not be detected during physical examinations, so regular checkups are important.
Why are you afraid?
Diabetic nephropathy is the most common form of diabetic nephropathy in Japan.The #1 cause of new dialysis inductionThe first time dialysis is started, patients must visit the hospital at least three times a week for four to five hours each time. Once dialysis begins, patients must visit the hospital at least three times a week for four to five hours at a time, and food and fluid restrictions are strictly enforced.
Progressive nephropathy also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Progressive stages (stages) of diabetic nephropathy
- Phase 1 (early stage of nephropathy): Urinalysis shows no abnormalities. Gradual progression with worsening blood glucose control.
- Phase 2 (early nephropathy phase): Trace amounts of albumin begin to appear in the urine (microalbuminuria). No symptoms yet.
- Phase 3 (manifest nephropathy phase)Urine protein is clearly increased. Increased blood pressure.
- Phase 4 (renal failure phase): Progressive decline in renal function and accumulation of waste products in the blood. Swelling and fatigue are likely to occur.
- Phase 5 (dialysis phase)Renal function is severely impaired, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Early Symptoms of Nephropathy
- No specific symptoms (initially asymptomatic)
- As we progress...
- Swelling of hands and feet
- listless
- Change (decrease) in urine volume
- Shortness of breath and anemia
These are due to the fact that they appear after renal function has declined considerably,It's too late for symptoms to appear.is a feature of this product.
Tests to detect renal dysfunction
- urinalysisUrine: trace albuminuria, urinary protein
- blood test: creatinine, eGFR (a measure of renal function)
- Blood pressure measurement: Progression of nephropathy is closely related to hypertension
We provide medical care by a diabetes specialist as well asRoutine renal function testsThe following is a list of the most common conditions that can be evaluated. In addition to blood glucose, kidney, nerve, and eye conditions can be evaluated at once, preventing complications from being missed.
Key points for prevention and control of progression
1. blood sugar control
Keeping HbA1c at target levels and reducing blood glucose fluctuations are the basis of nephropathy prevention.
2. management of blood pressure and lipids
- Target blood pressure: <130/80 mmHg (more strictly controlled in nephropathy patients)
- LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are maintained in the proper range
3. diet
- Salt restriction (less than 6 g/day)
- Avoid excessive intake of protein while maintaining the required amount.
- Limit potassium and phosphorus (if renal function is impaired)
4. exercise therapy
Aerobic exercise plus muscle training is effective in improving blood flow and managing blood sugar. However, in advanced stages, the amount of load should be adjusted in consultation with a physician.
Features of this hospital
- Nephropathy evaluation by a diabetologist: both blood glucose management and renal function management
- Comprehensive Inspection System: Blood, urine, blood pressure, and fundus examination performed in the hospital
- Concomitant exercise therapyProviding programs for: maintenance of renal function and prevention of complications
- Lifestyle Improvement SupportTotal support for: nutritional guidance, exercise guidance, and medication management
summary
Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication that has no symptoms in the early stages and requires dialysis as it progresses.
However,Progression can likely be controlled with early detection and appropriate management.It is also a disease.
Control of blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipids, diet and exercise regimens, and regular checkups are key to protecting the kidneys.
At the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, many professions are working together to prevent systemic complications, including nephropathy. Please contact us if you have any concerns.
Diabetes Series - Related Article List
1. Know the basics of diabetes
- What is Diabetes - Why does blood sugar rise? Causes and Mechanisms Explained
Introduces the root causes of diabetes, including "insulin resistance," "heredity," and "lifestyle," which are all related to the development of diabetes, in an easy-to-understand manner. - Early Symptoms of Diabetes - Don't Miss the Early Detection Signs
Early signs that are difficult to recognize, such as thirst, polyuria, and weight loss, are carefully explained. - Diagnostic criteria for diabetes - Difference between HbA1c, blood glucose and OGTT and latest criteria
It summarizes the numerical values used for diagnosis and the key points of the recently revised diagnostic criteria. - Diabetes Testing - Comprehensive evaluation of blood, urine, and even complications
Introduction to the comprehensive examination system available at the Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic, including fundus examination, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.
2. Treatment and lifestyle modification
- Diabetes Treatment - Protecting Blood Sugar and Blood Vessels with Diet, Exercise, and Medication
Explains treatment strategies to "prevent complications" rather than "lower the numbers. - Diabetes Diet - Control Blood Sugar Effortlessly with Locavore
A practical diet that emphasizes how to eat, not what not to eat. - Diabetes and Exercise - Muscle is Medicine! The Science of Aerobic x Muscle Training
The benefits of exercise to directly lower blood sugar and how to create an easy to follow exercise routine. - Drug Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus - Latest Treatment Policies and Multi-Drug Approaches
The characteristics of DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists are compared, and the latest treatment trends are presented.
3. To prevent complications
- Complications of diabetes - Complication measures to remember with "shimeji" and "enoki" mushrooms
The six major complications of neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, gangrene, stroke, and cardiac disease are explained together. - Neuropathy due to diabetes - Mechanisms and countermeasures for numbness and pain in hands and feet
Early signs of peripheral neuropathy and ways to improve life that should be done early. - Diabetes and Renal Dysfunction - Importance of Urine Albumin Testing and Habits to Protect
Practical approaches to reduce the burden on the kidneys and prevent dialysis. - Diabetes and Eye Disease - Causes of Blurred Vision and Early Detection of Retinopathy
Explains how fundus camera examinations work and the risks of neglect.
4. Prevention and early intervention
- Prevention of Diabetes - Reduce blood sugar waves and make your body less prone to diabetes.
Introduces diet, exercise, and sleep regimens to "get in shape before it happens," rather than "fix it after it happens. - Characteristics and constitution of people prone to diabetes - Self-check that you can do now
Early intervention is recommended by sorting out the risk of developing the disease, including heredity, fatty liver, and lack of exercise.
5. Our features and support system
- Lifestyle-related disease treatment at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic - Cross-cutting management of diabetes, MASLD, hypertension and dyslipidemia
Includes a comprehensive evaluation system including physician supervised exercise therapy, locavore diet support, fundus, ABI, and carotid artery echocardiography.