Diabetes and kidney disease are inextricably linked, with one condition exacerbating the other, creating a challenging cycle for affected individuals. According to Dr. Mohit Khirbat, a consultant nephrologist at CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram, diabetes is a primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in those with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Elevated blood sugar from diabetes gradually damages the arteries in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the bloodstream. If left untreated, this can progress to diabetic nephropathy, a condition that may ultimately lead to kidney failure.
Dr. Khirbat emphasizes that kidney disease complicates diabetes management. “The kidneys play a critical role in regulating blood insulin levels. When kidney function declines, insulin clearance decreases, leading to higher insulin levels in the bloodstream,” he explains. This disruption can cause frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, making it harder to manage diabetes effectively.
Additionally, kidney disease often triggers hypertension, a key risk factor that can worsen complications such as heart disease, which is common among diabetic patients. “Fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances caused by kidney dysfunction can further destabilize blood sugar levels,” Dr. Khirbat notes. Since the kidneys are less capable of processing and eliminating medications, patients with both conditions may experience increased risks of side effects. Consequently, adjustments to diabetes medications may be necessary.
Dr. Khirbat warns that the interaction between kidney disease and diabetes forms a vicious cycle, intensifying the need for vigilant management of blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney function. Close monitoring is crucial to prevent further health deterioration.
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