Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body is unable to properly use and store sugar (glucose), resulting in blood sugar level rising higher than normal.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which comprises 90% to 95% of all cases of diabetes, occurs because the body (in particular, the pancreas) does not produce enough insulin and the body is also unable to use insulin properly (insulin resistance).
High blood sugar levels if not controlled over years can lead to damage to the various blood vessels in the body.
Damage to the small blood vessels supplying the kidneys can result in damage to the kidneys, leading to diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease usually causes no symptoms until at least 75% of the kidneys' function is lost.
To detect diabetic kidney disease, urine test that measure the protein level in the urine and blood test to evaluate the level of kidney function should be done at least once a year in individuals with T2DM. The first indication of kidney damage from diabetes is persistently increased urine protein level.
The most important things your grandmother can do to stall diabetic kidney disease are to:
- Make healthy lifestyle choices (by limiting the amount of salt she eats and losing weight if she is overweight)
- Keep her blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible (through diet control, increased and regular physical activity and blood sugar lowering medications)
- Keep her blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg (by limiting the amount of salt she eats and blood pressure lowering medications if needed)
