How Diabetes Can Harm Your Urinary System and Kidneys

Diabetes is a chronic disease that touches millions of people all around the world, which targets various organs of our body such as the urinary system and kidneys. To have a high sugar level in blood for a long number of years can become life-threatening complications, and thus treatment at an early stage becomes the all-time priority. If you suffer from renal or urinary issues due to diabetes, consult a Nephrologist in Chennai to diagnose and manage probable complications effectively.

The Association of Renal Health with Diabetes

Kidneys carry out a crucial task of flushing out waste and excess water from the bloodstream. Diabetes adversely affects these organs in several ways:

Diabetic Nephropathy

• Prolonged elevated blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their effectiveness in filtering waste. 

• This diabetes complication can eventually lead to kidney failure if not controlled.

Increased Risk of Kidney Infections

• Diabetes weakens the immune system, and patients become susceptible to kidney infections. 

• These infections cause further kidney damage and complications.

High Blood Pressure and Kidney Damage

• The majority of diabetic patients also suffer from high blood pressure, further taxing the kidneys and accelerating damage.

Protein Leakage in Urine (Proteinuria)

• If the kidneys are injured because of diabetes, they can start leaking protein in the urine, an early warning sign of kidney disease.

How Diabetes Affects the Urinary System

The urinary system comprises the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, all of which can be damaged by diabetes:

Bladder Dysfunction

Diabetes can damage nerves that control bladder function, causing such problems as:

• Overactive bladder (frequent need to urinate)

• Urinary retention (difficulty emptying bladder)

• Incontinence (loss of bladder control)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Diabetes exposes an individual to bacterial infection of the urinary tract since sugar in the urine provides a rich breeding ground for bacteria.

Increased Risk of Bladder Stones

Bladder stones can also develop if the urine is not completely evacuated from the bladder, a common complaint in diabetic neuropathic patients.

Delayed Wound Healing and Infections

Slowed down glucose metabolism slows down the healing process of the body, and hence urinary tract infection and renal infection are harder to cure.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

As a diabetic, you need to beware of signs of kidney and urinary complications, such as:

• Frequent urination, especially during the night

• Blood in urine

• Swelling of the hands and feet (suggestive of kidney disease)

• Pain or burning on urination

• Increased blood pressure

• Sudden weakness or fatigue

Prevention and Control

Control of diabetes, if done correctly, can reduce kidney and urinary complications to a large extent. Some of the most important steps are presented below:

Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

• Keeping the blood sugar levels at normal limits prevents injury to the kidneys and the urinary tract.

Manage Blood Pressure

• Managing high blood pressure lowers the strain on the kidneys and decreases the likelihood of developing kidney disease.

Drink Water

• Water intake flushes out the toxins and reduces the risk of infection and bladder problems.

Diet Friendly to Kidneys

• Reduction in sodium, processed food, and protein can reduce kidney load.

Regular Follow-Ups with a Urologist or Nephrologist

• Consult a Urologist in Chennai or a nephrologist for early detection and prevention of complications.

Follow Medication

• If you have diabetes-related kidney complications, your doctor will prescribe medication for blood glucose control, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Conclusion

Diabetes can have significant effects on the kidneys and urinary tract and lead to severe complications if not controlled. Loss of kidneys and kidney disease can be prevented with early detection and appropriate control. Regular consultations by diabetic patients with specialists can reduce complications and ensure appropriate quality of life. If you do have a concern for your kidney or urinary health, it would be a smart idea to consult with an expert for proper steps towards long-term health.