Complications of Diabetes
Heart Disease and Stroke |
Diabetic Kidney Disease |
 Hypertension and Diabetic Kidney Disease |
Diabetic Eye Disease |
Gastroparesis |
Diabetic Neuropathy |
Diffuse Neuropathy
Hypertension and Diabetic Kidney Disease
High
blood pressure is a major factor in the development of kidney problems in
people who have diabetes. Both a family history of high blood pressure and the
presence of the disease seem to increase chances of developing kidney disease.
Hypertension is not just a
cause of kidney disease, but it's also a result of damage created by the kidney
disease. Physical changes in the kidneys contribute to high blood pressure
creating a dangerous spiral.
Treating Diabetic Kidney Disease
*Intensive management - Tight
control of blood glucose has shown a lot of promise for people at the beginning
stages of diabetic kidney disease. This means keeping blood glucose levels close
to normal. To have tight control, you have to test blood sugar four times or more
per day, give insulin on the basis of food and exercise, follow a nutrition and
exercise plan and keep in close contact with a health care team that understands
diabetes.
*Lower blood pressure - Medications
used to lower blood pressure can slow the progress of kidney disease. One
medication, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, has been shown to
prevent progression to stages IV and V. Calcium channel blockers, another type
of blood pressure-lowering medications, also show promise. Ask your doctor
whether you might benefit from receiving an ACE inhibitor. Be sure to monitor
your blood pressure. Use lifeclinic.com to record measurements and track your
pressure.
Click on
Manage High Blood Pressure
*Low protein diets - A diet
containing reduced amounts of protein may help. Most Americans eat too much
protein, enough to cause harm to people with diabetes. Talk to a diabetic
nutritionist or your doctor and ask if you should reduce the protein in your
diet.
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