Diabetic nephropathy - a progressive kidney disease that occurs in people with diabetes. The first symptoms of diabetic nephropathy can occur only after five to ten years after she began to develop. Its symptoms include poor appetite, constant fatigue, malaise, headache, nausea, vomiting, swelling of the legs.

Causes

The kidneys are made up of hundreds of structural and functional units called nephrons that. These structures filter the blood and help remove waste from the body.

In patients with diabetes nephrons are sealed, and eventually they formed scar tissue. As a result, the kidneys begin to work less, and falls into the urine protein (albumin).

Why is this happening, it is not clear it is assumed that poor control over blood sugar levels Blood sugar - a very important indicator   It causes kidney damage. The likelihood of developing diabetic nephropathy is increased if the patient has high blood pressure. The risk of developing this disorder is even higher in smokers and in patients who have diabetes, the first type was diagnosed before the age of twenty years.

Diagnostics

Patients with diabetes should be at least once a year to do tests to detect kidney damage. One of the main indicators of diabetic nephropathy is an increased level of protein in the urine The protein in the urine - a sign of danger, which should not be underestimated . High blood pressure can also indicate kidney damage. In addition, do a blood test to determine the level of hemoglobin, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and creatinine.

To confirm the diagnosis of kidney biopsy may be needed, but often this is not necessary.

Treatment

The main objective of the treatment of diabetic nephropathy - preventing deterioration of the kidneys. One of the most effective ways to achieve this goal is to maintain blood pressure at 130/80 or lower.

To reduce the blood pressure used drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers.

Furthermore, for slowing of renal injury is recommended:

• Limit the number of edible fats;
• Admission insulin The principles of action of insulin - the science of saving lives   and / or other drugs that are prescribed by doctors;
• Using the elementary rules to control blood sugar level Blood sugar - one of the main indicators of human health ;
• Regular checking and recording blood sugar levels.

Forecast

Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of serious illness and death among patients with diabetes. In the diagnosis of the early stages of development can significantly slow down. If treatment is not able to start on time, the disease can lead to the need for dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Complications of diabetic nephropathy often hypertension, heart disease and eye damage.

Uremia - a disorder characterized by an increase in blood urea nitrogen. Uremia caused by renal failure and can be life-threatening, because the excess nitrogen is very toxic to the body.

Symptoms

Usually uremia causes the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain;
• Confusion or loss of consciousness for a short time;
• Dryness in the mouth or nose;
• Swelling;
• Very strong thirst;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• Fatigue;
• Reduced blood pressure (hypotension);
• Pale skin;
• The decrease in body temperature;
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia);
• Sleep disorders Dreams: how to understand our dreams ;
• The weakening of sensitivity to taste and smell;
• Weakness.

Loss of consciousness and very rare urination can be signs of a life-threatening condition. If their appearance is an urgent need to seek medical help.

Causes

The following factors may contribute to the development of uremia:

• Taking certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents;
• Damage to the kidneys;
• The destruction of kidney tissue as a result of hypertension or diabetes;
• Kidney disease;
• Renal artery embolism;
• Burns;
• Congestive heart failure;
• Dehydration;
• Heavy bleeding;
• Severe diarrhea and / or vomiting;
• Shock.

Recently undergone surgical operations, trauma or infections increase the risk of uremia.

Treatment

Uremia - a serious treatment, requiring immediate treatment. Otherwise, it may cause irreversible changes in the organism. Many patients require hospitalization in uremia. The first step is to stabilize the patient's condition by withdrawing the excess of nitrogen from the blood flow and restoring blood volume and blood pressure. This may be used in transfusion, hemodialysis Hemodialysis: artificial kidney , Drugs for high blood pressure, such as dopamine.

Once the patient's condition returned to normal, appointed by a long course of treatment with the use of techniques such as dialysis Dialysis - maintains normal body Correction of the diet drug therapy.

In some cases, the only way to cure uremia is kidney transplantation.

Complications

Without timely treatment of uremia can cause serious damage and even life-threatening. Its complications could be, in particular, sudden cardiac arrest, renal failure Kidney failure - when treatment is vital   and respiratory failure.