Prescription options for managing diabetic kidney disease in a medical context.
Diabetic nephropathy, a complication associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, is a significant concern for people living with diabetes. This condition is the main cause of end-stage kidney disease in the United States and other developed countries worldwide.
Fortunately, there are strategies to help prevent kidney damage and other potential complications, such as heart disease or obesity. Beyond medications and lifestyle changes, managing diabetic nephropathy effectively requires a holistic approach that includes optimizing treatment adherence, early detection, and specialized interventions.
Regular adherence to prescribed treatments, ongoing laboratory monitoring of kidney function and proteinuria, and patient education to prevent progression and complications are crucial. Utilizing biomarkers and noninvasive diagnostic tools allows timely intervention to potentially slow diabetic nephropathy (DN) progression.
Intensive use of antiproteinuric agents, such as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), beyond glycemic and blood pressure control, can significantly reduce proteinuria and slow kidney damage. A structured, integrated approach involving glycemic control, blood pressure regulation, lipid management, and lifestyle modifications by a multidisciplinary team improves outcomes and addresses complications of DN comprehensively.
In end-stage renal disease caused by DN, dialysis or kidney transplantation becomes necessary. Nephrology specialists prepare and manage these treatments.
Two medications, dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and finerenone (Kerendia), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to slow the progression of DN. Dapagliflozin may help reduce the progression of kidney disease, but the long-term side effects of finerenone are still unknown.
Lifestyle changes play a significant role in preventing DN. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure, stopping smoking, getting regular physical activity, following a balanced diet, maintaining a moderate weight, aiming for 7-8 hours of sleep each night, taking medications as prescribed, and improving sleep hygiene are all essential. Working with a dietitian or a personal trainer can help develop a personalised plan for what to eat and what to avoid, and to maintain a moderate weight or get enough physical exercise.
Early treatment can prevent or delay the progression of kidney damage in people with DN. Learning more about preventing DN can help a person manage and prevent kidney damage.
- Diabetic nephropathy, a significant concern for people living with diabetes, is the main cause of end-stage kidney disease in developed countries, including the United States.
- Beyond medications and lifestyle changes, managing diabetic nephropathy effectively requires a holistic approach that includes optimizing treatment adherence, early detection, and specialized interventions.
- Regular adherence to prescribed treatments, ongoing laboratory monitoring of kidney function and proteinuria, and patient education are crucial to prevent progression and complications of diabetic nephropathy.
- Utilizing biomarkers and noninvasive diagnostic tools allows timely intervention to potentially slow diabetic nephropathy progression.
- Intensive use of antiproteinuric agents, such as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs), can significantly reduce proteinuria and slow kidney damage.
- In end-stage renal disease caused by diabetic nephropathy, nephrology specialists prepare and manage dialysis or kidney transplantation treatments.
- Two medications, dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and finerenone (Kerendia), have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.
- Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, managing blood pressure, quitting smoking, regular exercise, balanced diet, moderate weight, adequate sleep, taking medications as prescribed, and improved sleep hygiene, play a significant role in preventing diabetic nephropathy.
- Working with a dietitian or a personal trainer can help develop a personalized plan for what to eat and what to avoid, and to maintain a moderate weight or get enough physical exercise to manage diabetic nephropathy.
- Early treatment can prevent or delay the progression of kidney damage in people with diabetic nephropathy.
- Knowing more about preventing diabetic nephropathy can help a person manage and prevent kidney damage, which is essential for their overall health and wellness, including chronic diseases, medical conditions, fitness and exercise, therapies and treatments, nutrition, and medicare.
