Diabetes and Kidney Disease (cont.)
Points to Remember
- Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney
disease) and kidney
failure in the United States.
- People with diabetes should be screened regularly for kidney disease. The
two key markers for kidney disease are estimated glomerular filtration rate
(eGFR) and urine albumin.
- Drugs used to lower blood pressure can slow the progression of kidney
disease significantly. Two types of drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have proven effective in
slowing the progression of kidney disease.
- In people with diabetes, excessive consumption of protein may be harmful.
- Intensive management of blood glucose has shown great promise for people
with diabetes, especially for those in the early stages of chronic kidney
disease.
Hope through Research
The number of people with diabetes is growing. As a result, the number of
people with kidney failure caused by diabetes is also growing. Some experts
predict that diabetes soon might account for half the cases of kidney failure.
In light of the increasing illness and death related to diabetes and kidney
failure, patients, researchers, and health care professionals will continue to
benefit by addressing the relationship between the two diseases. The NIDDK is a
leader in supporting research in this area.
Several areas of research supported by the NIDDK hold great potential.
Discovery of ways to predict who will develop kidney disease may lead to greater
prevention, as people with diabetes who learn they are at risk institute
strategies such as intensive management of blood glucose and blood pressure
control.
Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own
health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely
available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information
about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.
Next: For More Information »
- ACE Inhibitors - Read about ACE inhibitors like Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramparil, Zestril and more. Information includes side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information.
- Hemoglobin A1c Test - Hemoglobin A1c test is used as a standard tool to determine blood sugar control for patients with diabetes
- Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.
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