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Type 1 Diabetes and Risk of Kidney DamageWhat is the problem and what is known about it so far?Diabetes can damage the kidneys and cause them to fail. Failing kidneys lose their ability to filter out waste products, resulting in nephropathy (kidney disease).Why did the researchers do this particular study?The researchers wanted to determine which health factors make people with type 1 diabetes more at risk for getting kidney disease.Who was studied?More than 25,000 people with type 1 diabetes.How was the study done?The researchers looked at health data collected from patients who took part in the German Diabetes Documentation System, a nationwide survey of patients with type 1 diabetes.What did the researchers find?The longer a person has type 1 diabetes, the greater the risk for developing microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney disease. It’s when the kidneys start to lose their ability to filter out products and small amounts of useful protein leak into the urine.People who had higher blood pressure levels, A1C levels (a measure of long-term blood glucose control), and LDL cholesterol levels (LDL is the “bad” cholesterol) were also more at risk for getting microalbuminuria. The study showed that men with type 1 diabetes were at a greater risk for developing macroalbuminuria, which is when larger amounts of protein leak into the urine. What are the implications of the study?Treatment of diabetes must focus on controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels. Neglecting these health factors can lead to very serious health problems, such as kidney failure and heart attack. Patients must consult with their doctors on the best individual methods for treating their diabetes and other risk factors.FOR MORE INFORMATION Kidney Disease (Nephropathy) Diabetic Kidney Disease: Preventing Dialysis and Transplantation Uncomplicated Guide to Diabetes Complications, 2nd edition |
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