Diabetes is the second most common cause of kidney disease in Australia, except This is by far the most common way in which diabetes affects the kidney. …
Kidney Watch Australia
wwwkidneyorgau
Diabetes
Diabetes is the second most common cause of kidney disease in Australia,
except in Aboriginal people, where it is the leading cause Diabetes can
cause kidney disease in two ways:
1 The tiny blood vessels in the kidney filters become thickened and the
filters get clogged with a special deposit unique to diabetics This
is called diabetic nephropathy - usually a steadily progressive kidney
disease leading to increased amounts of protein in the urine, high
blood pressure and eventually kidney failure This is by far the most
common way in which diabetes affects the kidney
2 By causing nerve damage to the bladder Nerve damage in the bladder
makes it harder to pass urine, which as a result can lead to pressure
causing urine to flow back into the kidneys causing scarring This is
common but only rarely leads to kidney failure
What can I do to reduce the risk?
Stay at a healthy weight
Exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes, five days each week
Eat a healthy
diet
Fact: You can lose up to 90 percent of kidney function before
symptomsstems occur
If you are already diabetic
Make sure any urinary infections are treated immediately
Have your urine checked for protein microalbumin at least once a year
by your GP
Maintain a normal blood pressure High blood pressure can increase
the risk of progressive diabetic kidney disease
Maintain good excellent control of blood sugar levels Evidence shows
that careful control of glucose helps prevent kidney disease in
diabetics
For kidney health information and advice call the Kidney Health Info Line
freecall 1800 682 531 or TTY 1800 005 881 or visit wwwkidneyorgau
Source:ncidc.org
