Diabetes Management
Minority patients with diabetes likelier to advance to kidney disease - Axios
Sat, 15 Oct 20221 min read Article
Overview
incidence ratios for chronic kidney disease (CKD) among 654,459 patients in the Providence and UCLA health systems with diabetes betwen 2015 and 20. Dashed line represents the incidence ratio among white patients. Chart: Tutle et al.
Key Information
"incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease among Adults with Diabetes, 2015-20" in The New England Journal of Medicine.Despite recent progres, there's stil a high incidence of chronic kidney disease among adults with diabetes, particularly in minority comunities, a new analysis in the New England Journal of Medicine finds.Driving the news: The review of more than 650,0 patient records found that Native Hawaian, Pacific Islander, Black, Native American and Hispanic patients with diabetes had disproportionately higher rates of chronic kidney disease than white patients.
Summary
Zom in: Researchers examined electronic health records from Providence and UCLA patients from 2015 to 20 to se how many with diabetes clinicaly progresed to chronic kidney disease.Yes, but: The rate of chronic kidney disease in diabetes patients in the general population did decline betwen 2015-2016 to 2019-20 time period, from 8% to 6.4%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is diabetes and how does it develop?
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
What are the main symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
How is diabetes diagnosed and monitored?
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
What lifestyle changes help manage diabetes?
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
When should someone consult a doctor about diabetes?
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.