Kidneys are a pair of organs that help filter toxins, eliminate waste end products, control the blood pressure of red blood cells, and maintain electrolytes. Hypertension and diabetes are the most common causes of kidney disease worldwide. When left uncontrolled, they can lead to severe kidney damage, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney failure, and other life-threatening complications. An increase in blood sugar level and high blood pressure can stress the vital organs and gradually affect their functions over time.
In hypertension, as the pressure increases in the blood vessels that supply the kidneys, they become narrowed and hardened and reduce the blood supply leading to an oxygen-deprived state for the renal tissues and gradually affecting the renal functions and causing failure. This can lead to a dangerous loop where kidney damage worsens the hypertension as the kidney loses its function to control the blood pressure. Over time a condition develops called hypertensive nephropathy as the structural integrity of kidneys has been compromised due to uncontrolled and elevated long-term hypertension. There are smaller filtration units in the kidney called glomeruli, damage to this can cause reduced filtration rate, increased creatinine levels, and accumulation of toxins in the blood. If this condition is left untreated then it can cause kidney failure and CKD.
Now when it comes to diabetes, continuous high blood sugar levels can damage the smaller blood capillaries in the kidney and cause diabetic nephropathy. An excessive blood sugar level can cause oxidative stress and inflammation to the blood vessels and cause thickening and leaky As a complication there is a leakage of essential proteins into the urine and cause albuminuria. Which can be considered as one of the early signs of kidney damage. Initially, kidneys work harder to compensate, but as time passes their efficiency is reduced and resulting into CKD and advanced end-stage renal diseases (ESRD),requiring dialysis and transplant of kidneys to live.
When both these diseases coexist together they lead to metabolic syndromes and their consequences which can lead to an accelerated rate of renal impairment. Most of the symptoms are silent and many of the patients do not experience any major symptoms until significant damage has already been taken place. Symptoms such as swelling (edema) in feet and legs, persistent tiredness, reduced urine output associated with nausea, and high blood pressure could indicate a progression in kidney dysfunction.
As a measure of kidney function, it is very important to control elevated blood pressure and high blood sugar levels through a combination of lifestyle modification, medicines, and routine checkups. A kidney-friendly diet includes a large portion of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains and also limits the use of salt intake, highly processed and deep-fried foods, and carbonated and high sugary drinks. Regular exercises, Practicing yoga and meditation, reducing stress levels, and an adequate intake of water can help prevent kidney diseases.
Dr Narendra K Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer – Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga Center
