Mr. Zhang is 55 years old and a typical diabetic patient. However, he didn't take the doctor's warning seriously. Daily blood glucose monitoring was considered a superfluous hassle, and medication was often forgotten by him. Five years ago, he was just an ordinary diabetic, but now, he is lying in a hospital bed, facing a serious threat of uremia. Do you want to know his story and how he got to where he is today? All of this stems from his neglect of his own health.
Diabetes, often considered a "chronic disease" health killer, is far more threatening than you might think. According to the World Health Organization, millions of diabetic patients develop various complications every year due to neglect of disease management, among which uremia is a serious consequence.
Today, we will delve into the close connection between diabetes and uremia, reveal the importance of blood sugar management, and provide practical health management advice to help more people avoid the tragedy of Mr. Zhang. Let's learn from his story and sound the alarm for our own health.
The dangers of diabetes: a health killer lurking in the body
Abnormal glucose metabolism is a common chronic condition that affects the body in more than just an increase in blood sugar. Long-term hyperglycemia can trigger a range of serious complications involving multiple organs and systems.
Damage to the cardiovascular system
High blood sugar can lead to hardening of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes have twice as many cases of heart disease as people without diabetes. Persistent hyperglycemia damages the lining of blood vessels, promotes lipid deposition, and forms atherosclerosis, which can eventually lead to myocardial infarction and stroke.
Impaired vision
Long-term poor glycemic control can damage the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. This is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. The microvessels in the retina become fragile due to high blood sugar and are prone to rupture and hemorrhage, forming new blood vessels, which can affect vision and lead to blindness in severe cases.
Neurological damage
High blood sugar can damage the nervous system, especially peripheral nerves, leading to diabetic neuropathy. Patients often experience numbness, tingling, and even loss of pain sensation in their limbs, which makes it easy for them to overlook small wounds and increase the risk of infection and ulcers. Severe nerve damage can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to problems such as indigestion and urinary incontinence.
Foot problems
Foot ulcers are common in people with diabetes, which are caused by poor circulation and nerve damage. Small wounds are easy to ignore because they don't feel pain, leading to infection and ulceration, and in severe cases, amputation.
The relationship between the kidneys and diabetes: the evolution from hyperglycemia to uremia
The effects of diabetes on the kidneys are gradual, but the consequences are extremely severe. In a hyperglycemic state, the kidneys' filtering function is gradually impaired, and eventually uremia may develop.
Basic functions of the kidneys
The kidneys are important excretory organs of the body, responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids in the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and maintaining a stable internal environment. Each kidney contains millions of nephrons, tiny filtering units that play a key role in maintaining good health.
Kidney damage from high blood sugar
High blood sugar increases the burden on the kidneys, causing damage to the nephrons. Early kidney injury is usually asymptomatic, but blood and urine tests can detect microalbuminuria, a hallmark of early kidney injury. Over time, nephron damage worsens, leading to proteinuria, decreased kidney function, and kidney failure.
Formation of uremia
When the kidneys are unable to filter waste products effectively, toxins in the body can accumulate, leading to uremia. It is a life-threatening condition in which the patient needs to rely on dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive. Patients with uremia often have severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and have a very poor quality of life.
Early prevention and management
Diabetic patients should have regular checks on kidney function to detect problems early and take interventions. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels, and avoiding a high-protein diet, can effectively slow the progression of kidney damage. In addition, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help protect kidney function.
By understanding the dangers of diabetes and its impact on the kidneys, patients can pay more attention to the management of the condition and take proactive preventive measures to avoid serious complications.
Symptoms and Harms of Uremia
Early warning: signals given by the body
In the early stages of uremia, the body sends out some telltale signals. Patients may feel weak, weak, and even tired after light activity. Puffiness is another common symptom, especially in the ankle and eyelid area. Due to the accumulation of toxins in the body, patients may experience digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, etc. In addition, increased nocturia is also an important warning sign.
Progressive: Gradual deterioration of health
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and severe. Hypertension and anemia are often present, and the risk of cardiovascular disease is significantly increased. Because the kidneys are unable to effectively remove waste and excess fluid, patients may experience severe edema and heart failure. Bone health can also be affected, leading to bone pain and easy fractures.
How to prevent uremia in diabetics
Blood sugar management: Stability is key
The first priority for uremia prevention in patients with dybetic diabetes is to strictly control blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring of blood sugar, following a doctor's treatment plan, using hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, and eating a healthy diet are all effective ways to manage it. In terms of diet, you should choose foods that are low in sugar, fat and fiber, and avoid drinks and foods that are high in calories and sugar.
Healthy Lifestyle: A line of defense that can't be ignored
Lifestyle modification is another important means of preventing uremia. Moderate daily exercise, such as walking and swimming, can help improve insulin sensitivity, control weight, and lower blood pressure. It's also important to quit smoking and limit alcohol, which has negative effects on your kidneys and overall health. Getting enough sleep and a good mental state reduces stress and helps with overall health management.
Regular check-ups: early detection and early treatment
Regular check-ups are key to early detection of abnormal kidney function. Patients with dybetic metabolism should have a comprehensive renal function test, including blood and urine tests, at least once a year to assess kidney health. If the problem is detected early, measures can be taken to prevent the condition from worsening. In addition to routine check-ups, attention should also be paid to blood pressure, blood lipids and other metabolic indicators to ensure comprehensive health management.
Practical advice: Everyday tips
Control your diet: Healthy eating habits
Make a reasonable eating plan and choose foods that are low in sugar, fat, and fiber, and eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Avoid foods high in salt, sugar and processed foods to reduce the burden on the kidneys.
Exercise plan: simple and easy
Engage in 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every day, such as brisk walking, yoga or cycling. Exercise not only helps to control blood sugar, but also strengthens the body and improves immunity.
Mental Health: Facing it positively
Maintaining a good mental state has a positive effect on the management of the disease. When you are stressed, you can relax by meditating, taking deep breaths, or seeking professional counseling.
With strict blood sugar control, a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups, patients with diabetes disorders can effectively prevent the occurrence of uremia and maintain kidney health. Scientific management of the disease can not only improve the quality of life, but also prolong the life expectancy.