How to reverse diabetic nephropathy? 3 key steps recommended by doctors!

Among the many complications of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy is a more serious and difficult one. It not only seriously affects the patient's quality of life, but may also gradually develop into renal failure and endanger life. Fortunately, in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, if effective measures can be taken in time, the condition of some patients may be reversed. Below, let us understand the 3 key steps recommended by doctors.

Strictly control blood sugar

1. Importance : Hyperglycemia is the root cause of the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy. Continuous hyperglycemia can damage the microvessels of the kidneys, leading to thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and proliferation of mesangial cells, which in turn affects the filtration function of the glomeruli. Strict control of blood sugar can effectively reduce the metabolic burden of the kidneys, reduce the toxic effects of hyperglycemia on the kidneys, and curb the progression of diabetic nephropathy from the source. Studies have shown that good blood sugar control can significantly reduce the risk of diabetic nephropathy, and for patients who have already developed kidney disease, it can also delay the deterioration of the disease.

2. Control methods : Patients should follow the doctor's advice and use hypoglycemic drugs reasonably, including oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin. Oral hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin, sulfonylureas, glinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, etc. Each drug has its scope of application and precautions. Patients need to choose the appropriate drug according to their own situation. For patients with poor blood sugar control or more serious conditions, insulin treatment is essential. At the same time, patients should closely monitor blood sugar and adjust the treatment plan in time according to blood sugar changes. In addition to drug treatment, dietary control is also key. Patients should follow the principle of low-sugar, high-fiber diet, control carbohydrate intake, and increase the intake of foods rich in dietary fiber such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Avoid eating foods high in sugar, fat, and salt, such as candy, fried foods, and pickled foods. In addition, moderate exercise can also help control blood sugar and enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin. Patients can choose a suitable exercise method for themselves, such as walking, jogging, swimming, Tai Chi, etc., and exercise for more than 150 minutes a week.

Effectively control blood pressure

1. Importance : Hypertension and diabetic nephropathy affect each other, forming a vicious cycle. Hypertension will further aggravate the vascular damage of the kidneys, leading to increased pressure in the glomeruli and accelerating the development of kidney lesions; and diabetic nephropathy patients are prone to hypertension due to impaired kidney function. Therefore, effective blood pressure control is crucial to reversing diabetic nephropathy. Controlling blood pressure can reduce renal hemodynamic abnormalities, reduce pressure in the glomeruli, protect the kidney's microvessels, and delay the deterioration of renal function.

2. Control method : Patients should choose appropriate antihypertensive drugs under the guidance of doctors. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARB) are the first choice drugs for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy with hypertension. These two types of drugs can not only effectively lower blood pressure, but also have unique kidney protection effects, reduce proteinuria, and delay the decline of renal function. In addition, antihypertensive drugs such as calcium channel blockers, β-receptor blockers, and diuretics can also be used in combination according to the specific conditions of the patients. In daily life, patients should pay attention to a low-salt diet, and the daily salt intake per person should be controlled below 6 grams to reduce sodium and water retention and lower blood pressure. At the same time, it is necessary to maintain good living habits, quit smoking and limit alcohol, avoid staying up late, and reduce mental stress, all of which will help maintain stable blood pressure.

Adjust your lifestyle

1. Dietary adjustment : In addition to the dietary requirements related to controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, patients with diabetic nephropathy should also pay attention to protein intake. For patients with early diabetic nephropathy, protein intake can be controlled at 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight per day; when a large amount of proteinuria or renal dysfunction occurs, protein intake should be further reduced to 0.6-0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Choose high-quality protein, such as eggs, milk, fish, lean meat, etc., and avoid eating too much plant protein, because the bioavailability of plant protein is low and it will increase the burden on the kidneys. At the same time, pay attention to supplementing vitamins and minerals, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, but be careful to avoid eating foods with high potassium content, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, etc., so as not to cause hyperkalemia.

2. Moderate exercise : Moderate exercise can enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, promote blood circulation, and improve blood supply to the kidneys. Patients can choose appropriate exercise according to their physical condition, such as walking, jogging, cycling, yoga, etc. The intensity of exercise should be moderate and avoid excessive fatigue. It is generally recommended to exercise 3-5 times a week, 30-60 minutes each time. Pay attention to monitoring blood sugar during exercise to avoid hypoglycemia. If you experience discomfort during exercise, you should stop exercising immediately and seek medical attention in time.

3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive drinking can damage the kidneys and aggravate diabetic nephropathy. Nicotine, tar and other harmful substances in tobacco can damage vascular endothelial cells, causing vasoconstriction and reducing blood supply to the kidneys; alcohol can affect the metabolic function of the liver and interfere with the control of blood sugar and blood pressure. Therefore, patients with diabetic nephropathy must quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to protect kidney health.

4. Regular physical examination : Regular physical examination is an important means to detect changes in diabetic nephropathy early and adjust the treatment plan. Patients should regularly check renal function, urine routine, urine microalbumin, blood pressure, blood sugar and other indicators to detect changes in the condition in time. Generally speaking, diabetic patients should undergo a comprehensive kidney examination once a year, and the frequency of examinations should be appropriately increased for patients who already have diabetic nephropathy.

Although diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication, the condition of some patients can be reversed or delayed through three key steps: strict control of blood sugar, effective control of blood pressure, and adjustment of lifestyle. Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment, build confidence in overcoming the disease, maintain good living habits, and undergo regular physical examinations, so as to better protect kidney health and improve the quality of life.