How long does it take for diabetes to cause kidney damage?
It takes years for diabetes to damage the kidneys, says Dr. Sylvia Rosas, a nephrologist and epidemiologist at Joslin Diabetes Center and president-elect of the National Kidney Foundation.
But many people don’t realize they have type 2 diabetes for a long time, she says. Therefore, she may find out that she has kidney disease soon after being diagnosed with diabetes.
If you don’t currently have diabetes, be aware of the risks and symptoms. Screening and early diagnosis may reduce the chance of kidney damage.
Common diabetes symptoms include:
- pee frequently
- Feeling thirstier than usual
- I’m hungry even though I’m eating
- extreme fatigue
- blurred vision
- Cuts and bruises that take longer to heal
- Losing weight despite eating more (common in type 1 diabetes)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands or feet (common in type 2 diabetes)
What are the symptoms of kidney disease?
Symptoms of CKD usually don’t appear until late in the disease’s progression, Rosas said.
When your kidneys are damaged by uncontrolled diabetes, you may find yourself having to pee more often or waking up to pee in the middle of the night, she says. She is also more susceptible to urinary tract infections.
Other symptoms of kidney disease due to diabetes include:
- weight gain
- swelling of the ankle
- nausea or vomiting
- decreased appetite
- Feeling weak or tired
- itch
- muscle spasms (especially in the legs)
These symptoms can be caused by other causes and usually don’t appear until kidney disease is advanced, so it’s important to see your doctor and have kidney tests done.
What is a chronic kidney disease test?
Doctors can look for signs of the disease with urine and blood tests.
Tests for a protein called albumin in your urine. Elevated albumin levels are an early sign of diabetic kidney disease.
We also use blood tests and formulas to measure how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. Higher than normal levels of a substance called creatinine may mean your kidneys are having trouble filtering waste products.
Your doctor will also check your blood pressure. Many people with diabetes develop high blood pressure, which can also damage the kidneys.
If you have type 2 diabetes or have had type 1 diabetes for more than 5 years, get tested for kidney disease at least once a year.
What can I do to prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease?
There is no cure for diabetic kidney disease. The key to preventing diabetes or preventing it from worsening is to closely manage it and control both blood sugar levels and blood pressure using appropriate medications. Therefore, work closely with your doctor, your diabetologist (endocrinologist), or your nephrologist (nephrologist).
To manage both blood sugar and blood pressure:
Take the A1c test. This is a blood test performed by your doctor. Check your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. The higher your A1c number, the higher your blood sugar levels were during that period.
The results of this test can help your doctor determine whether you need to change your diabetes treatment plan or improve your diet or activity level.
Ask your doctor what your A1c goal should be. In many diabetics, that percentage is less than 7%. Also, ask how often you should take an A1c test. You should take it at least twice a year, and more often if your doctor changes your diabetes medication or if you have other health problems.
A1c testing is different from home blood sugar tests that allow you to check your blood sugar levels daily. Ask your doctor how many times you should check your levels each day to reach your A1c goal.
Check your blood pressure. Your doctor will set your blood pressure goals. Most diabetics should aim for less than 140/90. Ask your doctor what your numbers should be.
Your doctor may prescribe medication if your numbers need to be lowered. Drugs called ACE inhibitors and ARBs not only lower blood pressure but also help slow kidney damage. These drugs are not safe if you are pregnant.
Please stick to your treatment plan. If your doctor has prescribed medicines to help control your blood sugar or blood pressure, take them exactly as prescribed.
Establish healthy habits. You can improve your diabetes and kidney health by making lifestyle changes such as:
- Mr. Rosas says not to smoke. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor.
- Eat a low-sodium diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. A nutritionist will create a meal plan just for you.
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, Rosas says. If you are currently inactive, ask your doctor to create a fitness plan for you.
- Lose excess weight gradually through healthy eating and exercise.
- If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about lowering your cholesterol.
- Don’t underestimate sleep. Try to set aside 7-8 hours each night.