What is diabetes?
Diabetes is when your blood sugar level is too high. Blood needs glucose as it is the main source of energy. The pancreas also plays a relevant role in this process, as it is responsible for generating insulin, a hormone that helps the body correctly use the glucose we ingest from food as a form of energy. If our pancreas does not produce enough insulin or it is not used properly, glucose remains in the blood and does not reach the cells, and that is when we speak of diabetes.
Over time, diabetes can cause health problems and, although it has no cure, it can be controlled so that the person suffering from it remains healthy. When diabetes is not adequately controlled, blood sugar levels rise, causing what is called "hyperglycemia." Having high blood sugar affects blood vessels throughout the body, as the sugar "sticks" to them and makes it difficult for blood to reach our organs correctly.
According to a study, 13.8% of Spaniards have type 2 diabetes, meaning 5.3 million people in Spain suffer from it. From the age of 61, this figure rises and affects 29.8% of women and 42.4% of men, a figure that increases again from the age of 75, reaching 41.3% in women and 37.4% in men.
What is the relationship between diabetes and kidney health?
If you have a very high blood sugar level, over time it is likely that you will have kidney problems, as they are responsible for cleaning the blood by filtering waste and excess fluid. Kidneys are made up of many tiny blood vessels; if these narrow or become partially blocked by excess sugar in the blood, less waste and excess fluid will leave your body. This generates what is called diabetic kidney disease and is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.
As we mentioned earlier, this kidney disease can be controlled and prevented with proper medical follow-up, and it is vitally important because if the kidneys fail, dialysis treatment for the rest of your life or a kidney transplant will be necessary.
How to take care of my kidney health?
- Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water (2-3L daily)
- Stay active, you need to lead a healthy lifestyle
- Eat a balanced diet, and help supplement it with Lit-Control supplements if necessary
- If you think you have any symptoms, consult a medical professional.
References:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
- National Library of Medicine of the United States
- National Kidney Foundation
- Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation in Spain: the Di@bet.es Study, Diabetologia (2011) Study funded by the CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases-CIBERDEM (ISCIII, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain) and the Spanish Society of Diabetes-SED
- Diabetes Foundation
