Type 2 Diabetes and Kidney Failure!

Diabetics make up a staggering percentage of patients with kidney disease. A hefty one third of all type 1 diabetics are likely to experience kidney disease, but even more astonishing is that nearly all diabetics with end stage kidney disease have type 2 diabetes.

The risk of kidney disease in type 2 diabetics is increased because kidney damage can start early on, when the diabetic is still in a pre-diabetic state or, unknowingly, already has developed full-blown type 2 diabetes. High blood pressure (common among type 2 diabetics, especially those who are overweight), can contribute significantly to the risk.

Kidney failure (also called renal failure), occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to remove toxins from the blood stream. Patients with end stage kidney disease must undergo regular dialysis and wait for a transplant. Diabetics were formerly excluded from transplant protocols due to their ongoing condition, but with better methods of controlling both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, diabetics may now be considered for a kidney transplant.

The best methods for avoiding kidney failure as a type 2 diabetic are to control blood sugar levels as well as blood pressure, attempt to reach and maintain a healthy weight, and cut out unhealthy habits such as heavy alcohol consumption or cigarette smoking... all of which can decrease your risk of kidney failure. Even if you have lost some kidney function, you can rein in the deterioration of your kidneys by maintaining good blood sugar control... by eating healthy foods, exercising appropriately, and taking your medications.

All type 2 diabetes should be aware of the early symptoms of kidney failure:

• fluid build-up and retention is an early warning sign (although this can also be the sign of other conditions)
• swelling of your hands, feet and legs are red flags which should be addressed swiftly
• in addition, symptoms such as loss of appetite, chronically upset stomach, inability to sleep or concentrate and general weakness

should also trigger a visit to your doctor and a test for renal failure.

Early stage kidney disease is known as microalbuminuria. It is easily detected as proteins begin to show up in small amounts in your urine, due to the filtration ability of your kidneys being reduced. Strict control of blood sugar levels has been shown to reduce your chances of microalbuminuria by one third, and the chances of microalbuminuria advancing to macroalbuminuria (end stage kidney disease), by one half. Some studies appear to show that microalbuminuria can even be reversed by tight blood sugar control.

Type 2 diabetics at risk for renal failure can minimize their risk by controlling both their blood sugar and blood pressure by:

• losing weight if you are overweight or obese, and
• by replacing some of the protein in your diet with high fiber complex carbohydrates.

And when pampering your kidneys, don't forget that old piece of advise: "drink plenty of water". This will help keep you clear of many kidney and urinary tract problems

About this Author

Would you like more information about alternative ways to handle your type 2 diabetes? To download your free copy of my E-Book, click here now: Answers to Your Questions... its based on questions many diabetics have asked me over recent months.

Beverleigh Piepers is a registered nurse who would like to help you understand how to live easily and happily with your type 2 diabetes. http://drugfreetype2diabetes.com/blog. Beverleigh Piepers is the author of this article. This article can be used for reprint on your website provided all the links in the article are complete and active. Copyright (c) 2010 - All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers