If you are a diabetic you have a very strong chance of developing diabetic nephropathy, which is also known as kidney disease. It is estimated that 40 percent of type 1 and type 2 diabetics are affected by diabetic nephropathy. The number of patients affected between 1991 and 2001 more than doubled.
Even though the number of people affected by diabetic nephropathy is so high there is hope. From the year 2001 to present the escalation of those affected has started to decline. Because of research and the fact that diabetics are now educating themselves on their disease more people are becoming more successful with coping with diabetic nephropathy, slowing down the process, and even preventing it.
What is Diabetic Nephropathy?
The main cause of diabetic nephropathy is high blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia causes certain chemical changes in the nerves which can impair them or even cause nerve damage. Impaired or damaged nerves are unable to send signals properly to the brain and the rest of the body. Hyperglycemia also causes damage to the blood vessels. The damage in turn causes not enough oxygen to travel through the body to the nerves.
Because diabetic nephropathy affects the nerves the symptoms are not the same of typical kidney disease. Diabetic nephropathy symptoms include: numbness, tingling, or pain in the toes, feet, legs, hands, arms, and fingers, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, dizziness or faintness, problems with urination, weakness, weight loss, and depression.
Preventing and Coping with Diabetic Nephropathy
If you are a diabetic there are many ways to prevent, cope with, and even slow down the progression of diabetic nephropathy. According to Christine McKinney, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., the only way of preventing diabetic nephropathy is by controlling blood glucose levels. This can be done with medication or more natural alternatives.
Controlling your blood pressure is also a very important part of the process. In order to control your blood pressure properly you should eat a diet that is low in sodium and high in fruits and vegetables. If you are overweight, losing those extra pounds does make a world of difference. Even if you are not currently over weight a regular exercise routine and staying away from alcohol and tobacco can also help control your blood pressure. By following this advice many have prevented and even slowed down the process of diabetic nephropathy.
There is much debate about prescription medicines because of the harmful side effects and additional medical conditions that occur when taking them. Because of this many have decided to control their blood sugar levels with more natural alternatives. It is proven that many natural ingredients like cinnamon, banaba, and gymnema sylvestre do lower and maintain proper blood sugar levels naturally.
Sources:
http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/19/3/153
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/d/diabetic_neuropathy/causes.htm
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/neuropathies/#causes
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/diabetesmckinney/768/preventing-complications-kidney-disease
