Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel.
The main cause of diabetes varies by type. No matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems.
Chronic diabetes conditions include type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Potenially reversible diabetes conditions include prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Prediabetes happens when blood sugar levels are higher than normal. But the blood sugar levels aren’t high enough to be called diabetes. Prediabetes can lead to diabetes unless steps are taken to prevent it. Gestational diabetes happens during pregnancy, but it may go away after the baby is born.
Common Symptoms
Diabetes symptoms depend on how high your blood sugar is. Some people, especially if the have prediabetes, gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes, may not have symptoms. In type 1 diabetes, symptoms tend to come on quickly and be more severe.
Some of the symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:
- Feeling mor thirsty than usual.
- Urinating often.
- Losing weight without trying.
- Feeling tired and weak.
- Feeling irritable or having other mood changes.
- Having blurry vision.
- Having slow-healing sores.
- Getting a lot of infections, such as gum, skin and vaginal infections.
- Presence of ketones in the urine. Ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin.
Type 1 diabetes can start at any age. But is often starts during childhood or teenage years. Type 2 diabetes, the more common type, can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more common in people older than 40. But type 2 diabetes in children is increasing.
When to consult a physician
Kidney Consultants of El Paso can help you with diagnosing or treating your diabetes symptoms.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes: Kidney Consultants of El Paso can ensure that your condition will be followed-up with constant montioring until your blood sugar levels stabilize.
FAQs – Diabetes
1. What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and organs, including the kidneys.
2. How does diabetes affect the kidneys?
High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels and filters in the kidneys. Over time, this damage may lead to diabetic kidney disease or chronic kidney disease.
3. What are the signs of diabetic kidney disease?
Early diabetic kidney disease often has no noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, some people may experience swelling in the feet or ankles, fatigue, or changes in urination. Blood and urine tests are important for early detection.
4. How is diabetic kidney disease diagnosed?
Doctors commonly use blood tests to estimate kidney function and urine tests to check for albumin, a protein that can indicate kidney damage. Regular screening is important for people with diabetes.
5. How can people with diabetes protect their kidney health?
Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol, taking prescribed medicines, following an individualized eating plan, and getting regular kidney tests can help protect kidney health.
Meet with a specialist
To schedule an appointment with our office, please fill out the form below and one of our staff members will contact you to schedule your appointment!
