Diabetic Kidney Disease Is Very Harmful, And Prevention And Early Screening Are Crucial
Apr 19, 2024
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of diabetes with an insidious onset. Once clinical manifestations appear, the lesions are often irreversible. Moreover, DKD progresses to end-stage renal disease faster than general kidney disease, making treatment more difficult. The risk of death in patients with DKD is more than 2.5 times that of diabetic patients without kidney disease [1]. In recent years, with the increase in the prevalence of diabetes worldwide, DKD has become the main cause of end-stage renal disease in most countries.
Click to Cistanche for kidney disease
Early prevention of DKD is of great significance for improving the survival rate and quality of life of diabetic patients. Early screening can give patients better treatment opportunities, control key factors such as blood sugar, blood pressure and blood lipids through reasonable drug treatment and lifestyle, delay the progression of the disease, and reduce the occurrence of complications. Additionally, early intervention can avoid exacerbations of the disease that can lead to high medical costs and the need for long-term care. Therefore, preventing and screening for DKD is of great significance to both individual patients with diabetes and the entire healthcare system.
Prevent DKD
(1) Change your lifestyle. Developing a healthy lifestyle is an important measure to prevent and treat DKD. Diabetic patients should eat a reasonable diet, choose a low-salt, low-fat, and high-fiber diet; engage in moderate exercise; and maintain a healthy weight, which has a positive impact on controlling blood sugar and blood pressure and can reduce the risk of kidney disease. In addition, smoking increases the risk of DKD in patients with diabetes, and it is recommended that patients with diabetes quit smoking.
(2) Control blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia is one of the main causes of DKD. Therefore, diabetic patients need to actively control blood sugar to keep it within the normal range. Standard recommendations for blood glucose control: fasting blood glucose <6.0 mmol/L, 2-h postprandial blood glucose <8.0 mmol/L, and glycated hemoglobin <6.2%. When choosing antidiabetic drugs, try to choose drugs that are less excreted by the kidneys, such as glaqidone and insulin. These drugs can effectively lower blood sugar levels while reducing damage to the kidneys.
(3) Control blood pressure. High blood pressure is an important risk factor for DKD. Therefore, it is very important to control blood pressure within the normal range. The blood pressure control target for patients with diabetes should be lower than 130/80 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Antihypertensive drugs include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor antagonists, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and beta-blockers.
(4) Control blood lipid levels. Hyperlipidemia can directly lead to kidney damage. Diabetic patients should also control their blood lipid levels while lowering blood sugar and blood pressure. Commonly used lipid-lowering drugs include statins, fibrates, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, etc. The goals of blood lipid control are: total cholesterol <4.5 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein <2.5 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein>1.1 mmol/L, and triacylglycerol <1.5 mmol/L.
Early screening for DKD
Currently, a major challenge in the early diagnosis of DKD is the failure of diabetic patients to routinely screen their kidney function and refer them to nephrology when needed. DKD screening should be performed 5 years after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, DKD screening should be performed immediately after the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, and at least once a year thereafter. For patients with existing renal impairment or a high risk of kidney disease progression (e.g., Proteinuria >1 g/d), more frequent monitoring is required. Routine urine examination is required during screening, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio and glomerular filtration rate are calculated.
In recent years, with the development of medical research, indicators for early diagnosis of DKD have been continuously discovered. For example, haptoglobin may be closely related to the occurrence and development of DKD and can be used as a new biomarker for early prediction of DKD. Biochemical indicators such as α1-microglobulin, cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipoprotein, and retinol-binding protein also have obvious advantages in diagnosing early DKD [2].
summary
In short, it is crucial for diabetic patients to take medications on time and actively control blood sugar levels to reduce the burden on the kidneys. Proper dietary management, moderate exercise, and regular work and rest can also help prevent DKD. Regular monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney function to achieve early detection and timely treatment is the key to preventing and treating DKD. As long as diabetic patients pay enough attention and respond proactively, they can effectively prevent the occurrence of DKD and protect kidney health.
How Does Cistanche Treat Kidney Disease?
Cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including kidney disease. It is derived from the dried stems of Cistanche deserticola, a plant native to the deserts of China and Mongolia. The main active components of cistanche are phenylethanoid glycosides, echinacoside, and acteoside, which have been found to have beneficial effects on kidney health.
Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to a condition in which the kidneys are not functioning properly. This can result in a buildup of waste products and toxins in the body, leading to various symptoms and complications. Cistanche may help treat kidney disease ase through several mechanisms.
Firstly, cistanche has been found to have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help eliminate waste products from the body. This can help relieve the burden on the kidneys and prevent the buildup of toxins. By promoting diuresis, cistanche may also help Reduce high blood pressure, a common complication of kidney disease.
Moreover, cistanche has been shown to have antioxidant effects. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, plays a key role in the progression of kidney disease. ies help neutralize free radicals and reduce Oxidative stress, thereby protecting the kidneys from damage. The phenylethanoid glycosides found in cistanche have been particularly effective in scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Additionally, cistanche has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is another key factor in the development and progression of kidney disease. Cistanche's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit the activation of inflammation mandatory pathways, thus alleviating inflammation in the kidneys.
Furthermore, cistanche has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects. In kidney disease, the immune system can be dysregulated, leading to excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Cistanche helps regulate the immune response by modulating the production and activity of immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages. This immune regulation helps reduce inflammation and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Moreover, cistanche has been found to improve renal function by promoting the regeneration of renal tubes with cells. Renal tubular epithelial cells play a crucial role in the filtration and reabsorption of waste products and electrolytes. In kidney disease, these cells can be damaged, leading to damaged renal function. Cistanche's ability to promote the regeneration of these cells helps restore proper renal function and improve overall kidney health.
In addition to these direct effects on the kidneys, cistanche has been found to have beneficial effects on other organs and systems in the body. This holistic approach to health is particularly important in kidney disease, as the condition often affects multiple organs and systems. che has been shown to have protective effects on the liver, heart, and blood vessels, which are commonly affected by kidney disease. By promoting the health of these organs, cistanche helps improve overall kidney function and prevent further complications.
In conclusion, cistanche is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used for centuries to treat kidney disease. Its active components have diuretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and regenerative effects, which help improve renal function and protect the kidneys from further damage. , cistanche has beneficial effects on other organs and systems, making it a holistic approach to treating kidney disease.
