Diabetic Nephropathy is a condition in which the kidneys get damaged due to diabetes. In cases where diabetes has reached extreme levels, this can lead to failure of the kidney as well. The kidneys contain tiny blood vessels called glomeruli which filter the blood in order to remove its toxins. When the blood sugar level in the blood is very high, these blood vessels start getting damaged and over time the kidneys lose their ability to do their job effectively.
Symptoms of Diabetic Nephropathy:
In the early stages of diabetic nephropathy there are generally no symptoms. However, as this condition progresses the following may be seen:
- High blood pressure
- Swelling in the legs and ankles in specific
- Cramping
- Frequent urination at night
- Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting
- Anemia
- Weakness
- Itching
Causes of Diabetic Nephropathy:
- Prolonged high blood sugar level leading to hyperglycemia. If hyperglycemia is not detected and treated it will lead to diabetic nephropathy.
Risk Factors of Diabetic Nephropathy:
- People who suffer from diabetes along with high blood pressure are at a higher risk.
- People who are diabetic and have high cholesterol level are at a higher risk than others.
- Smokers are also at a higher risk.
- Uncontrollable hyperglycemia
- Hypertension
Complications of Diabetic Nephropathy:
- Hyperkalemia – This is a sudden increase in the potassium levels in the blood.
- Fluid Retention – The body might start retaining water leading to swelling in arms and legs. If this worsens it could lead to fluid in the lungs which is known as pulmonary edema.
- High Blood Pressure
- Anemia
- Cardiovascular dysfunction leading to a stroke
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sores in the feet
- Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes
- Complications in pregnancy
- Diarrhea
Diagnosis of Diabetic Nephropathy:
- Tests that check the albumin level in urine
- Creatinine test – This is a blood test that shows how well the kidneys are functioning
- Blood Pressure is checked
- Cholesterol and triglyceride tests are done
Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy:
- Drugs that bring down the high blood pressure are administered. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are prescribed. These are enalapril, ramipril etc. These drugs reduce the protein in the blood and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Amount of salt in the diet is limited to keep the blood pressure in check.
- Protein intake is reduced if the kidneys have already been damaged.
- Drugs that put pressure on the kidneys like NSAIDs should be avoided.
- Curcumin supplements can be taken to help manage hyperglycemia.
Prevention of Diabetic Nephropathy:
- Blood sugar level should be maintained at an optimum level.
- Regular exercise and a balanced diet should be incorporated in the patient’s daily routine.
- Regular blood protein level test should be done.
- Quit smoking
- Avoid alcohol and fast food.
How does curcumin help in managing Diabetic Nephropathy?
- A research conducted by Zeinab Ghorbani, Azita Hekmatdoost, and Parvin Mirmiran, (published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism found that:
1) Curcumin has anti-hyperglycemic and insulin sensitizer properties that can help in proactively avoiding Hyperglycemia.
2) Curcumin possesses the ability to reduce the blood glucose levels.
- Another research conducted by Lin J et al and published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, proved that curcumin reduces the impact of hyperglycemia on the liver and hampers the development of hepatic fibrosis.
- Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing diabetes and hyperglycemia induced inflammation in the body.
- Curcumin and its antioxidant properties help in reducing the oxidative stress by limiting the production of ROS (reactive oxygen species).
- Curcumin is known to be anti-hyperglycemic in nature which means that it has the ability to control the blood glucose levels and maintain them at an acceptable level.
Sugeric, an organic product that comes from the beautiful Bagdara Farms located in the heart of the country – Madhya Pradesh, is rich in curcumin. It is a product that can rescue diabetics from a life of misery. The best way to consume Sugeric is by adding half a teaspoon of Sugeric to 1 cup of boiling water and heating it on a low flame for 10 minutes. To this solution 2 to 3 tsp. of pepper powder should be added along with a couple of tsps. of coconut oil. This concoction can be consumed two to three times a day.
Click here for more details : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25769841