Diabetes, one of the three major chronic diseases, can lead to various complications. Among these, diabetic kidney disease is particularly common, affecting one in three diabetes patients, and is known for its poor prognosis.
Asymptomatic diabetic kidney disease requires early detection through regular check-ups… Timely nephrology consultations improve outcomes
According to South Korean medical experts, diabetic kidney disease is a condition where diabetes impairs kidney function. The Korean Society of Nephrology reports that 48% of patients requiring dialysis for end-stage kidney disease have diabetes.
Given the strong link between diabetes and declining kidney function, recent research by South Korean scientists suggests that timely nephrology care for diabetes patients can slow the onset or progression of diabetic kidney disease.
A research team led by professors Han Seung Seok and Yoon Dong Hwan from Seoul National University Hospital studied over 30,000 type 2 diabetes patients. They analyzed how nephrology consultations affected kidney function outcomes. The results showed that kidney function, which had not demonstrated any changes before, consistently improved immediately after nephrology visits.
Medical experts explain that kidneys are vital organs that filter blood waste, regulate blood pressure, and secrete hormones. Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed when kidney damage persists for over three months. The challenge lies in its often symptom-free nature, making early detection difficult. Therefore, diabetes patients should undergo annual nephrologist check-ups.
These check-ups include tests for albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Albumin is a key body protein. Healthy adults excrete 30 mg or less of albumin daily in urine, but kidney issues can increase this amount.
GFR measures the blood filtered through the glomeruli per minute, serving as a primary indicator of kidney function. Normal GFR ranges from 90 to 120 mL per minute, and kidney function is categorized into five stages based on this value. Stage five, with a filtration rate below 15 mL per minute, often necessitates dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Medication controls blood sugar and blood pressure… Low-sodium diets are crucial for prevention
Treatment typically involves medication to regulate blood sugar levels. Persistent high blood sugar in diabetes patients can damage the kidney microvessels. Patients usually manage their blood sugar based on hemoglobin A1c levels, aiming to keep this figure below 6.5% as a standard goal.
Dr. Jin Joo Cha, a nephrologist at Korea University Ansan Hospital, emphasizes the need for personalized treatment strategies, especially for elderly patients. These patients may require higher hemoglobin A1c targets to reduce hypoglycemia risk. Dr. Cha adds that managing blood pressure alongside blood sugar is crucial, as hypertension exacerbates kidney disease. Active blood pressure control is beneficial in treating diabetic kidney disease.
Recent approaches in healthcare focus not only on regulating blood sugar and blood pressure but also on protecting kidneys and preventing cardiovascular complications. Dr. Cha notes that SGLT2 inhibitors slow disease progression and reduce cardiovascular risks. GLP-1 receptor agonists, which offer blood sugar control and cardio-renal protection, are expected to increase use in combination therapies.
Regular exercise and smoking cessation are beneficial for preventing diabetic kidney disease. Adopting a low-sodium diet is particularly important. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of the Republic of Korea reports that while sodium intake among Koreans has decreased, it remains 1.5 times higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended 2,000 mg daily limit.
The Ministry advises halving usual amounts of salt, fermented foods, and dipping sauces. When ordering takeout or delivery, they recommend requesting sauces separately to manage sodium intake better.