What is Diabetes?

Insulin is a harmone that regulates the amount of sugar in the blood. When the body does not make enough of it or when the body cannot sue normal amounts of insulin properly, the amount of sugar in the blood cannot be properly regulated, thereby causing diabetes. Diabetes can occur in children as well as older people.

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Excessive hunger
• Sudden Weight loss
• Tingling or numbness in legs, feet or fingers
• Slow healing of cuts
• Weakness and fatigue
• Irritability, nausea and vomiting
• Blurred vision or any change in sight
• Frequent skin infections or itchy skin

• Period of illness and stress
• Certain medications
• After an operation
• Family history
• Excessive weight
• Too much sugary foods

So what does diabetes do to you kidneys?

Diabetes damages the blood vessels in the kidneys and makes it difficult for the kidneys to cleanse blood properly. The body will retain more water and salt, which can result in weight gain and swelling of joints. Waste materials will also build up in the blood, which will result in toxicity and kidney failure. The damaged nerves may also lead to difficulty when emptying the bladder. The pressure that results from a full bladder can injure the kidneys. Also if urine stays in the bladder for a long time, you may get an infection because bacteria grow rapidly in urine with a high sugar level.

• Protein in the urine
• Blood protein drop
• Weight gain and swollen ankles
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• High blood pressure

• Abnormal blood tests
• Reduced need for insulin or anti-diabetic pills
• Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting
• Weakness, increasing tiredness, paleness and anaemia
• Itching and muscle cramps
• Loss of appetite

• Keep good control of the diabetic condition
• Have blood pressure checked often
• Take medication regularly
• Test blood glucose regularly
• Get enough sleep
• Follow a healthy meal plan
• Do regular exercise

Diabetic is a chronic disease. There is no cure for diabetes yet, but it can be controlled through education, diet, exercise, and medication and monitoring. Good diabetes control may enable you to reduce the risk or delay on the onset of diabetes complications such as renal failure, heart attack, blindness, nervous system disorders, amputation and impotency.