Living with type 1 diabetes involves a delicate balance of managing blood sugar levels, monitoring insulin intake, and staying vigilant for potential complications. While most individuals with type 1 diabetes are aware of the risks associated with their condition, a lesser-known connection is the link between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and the onset of kidney disease.
To explore the relationship between GI symptoms in Type 1 diabetes and the potential warning signs of kidney disease, the team of OnlyMyHealth Dr Sashi Kiran A, Consultant Nephrologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad.
Diabetes And GI Symptoms
Dr Kiran explained that the main symptoms of type 1 diabetes are gastrointestinal such as increased thirst (polydipsia), increased appetite (polyphagia), nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. “It is increasingly being recognised that these gastrointestinal symptoms are closely linked to diabetic kidney disease and their frequency and severity may be indicative of the progression of diabetic kidney disease,” he said.
It is a known fact that type 1 diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with extreme morbidity and mortality. “One of the main reasons for this is the involvement of blood vessels which leads to kidney failure along with other organ systems, due to the high level of sugar in the blood,” stated Dr Kiran.
He cited a study led by researchers from the University of Latvia, which recognised a positive correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms, kidney filtration rate, and severity of protein loss in urine. The participants of the study had to answer a questionnaire assessing their symptoms like pain in the abdomen, bowel moments abnormalities, appetite and thirst. “The analysis of their results showed a positive correlation between the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and the severity of diabetic kidney disease,” relayed Dr Kiran.
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Diabetic Kidney Disease
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) shared that the kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining a balance of fluids and electrolytes. In diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar levels can exert stress on the kidneys, causing them to work harder to eliminate excess glucose and other waste. Over time, this increased workload can lead to kidney damage, a condition known as diabetic nephropathy.
Stating a few preventive measures, Dr Kiran listed:
- Maintaining blood sugar levels.
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar and insulin administration.
- Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a balanced diet high in fibre, an exercise schedule, and psychological support.
- Educating the patient and family about the disease and its complications.
The NIDDKD shared that most people with type 1 diabetes will not have any significant symptoms that can point towards kidney disease. Hence the best way to prevent diabetic kidney disease is by practicing the measures suggested by Dr Kiran and getting your kidneys checked regularly.