How Can Diabetes Affect Kidney Health? Insights from RAK Hospital’s Expert Webinar!

Highlights

• RAK Hospital hosted the Dia-beat Webinar, exploring the connection between diabetes and kidney disease
• Ajinkya Patil emphasised early screening for preventing and managing Diabetic Nephropathy in the session

Continuing its commitment to community health through the RAK Diabetes Challenge, RAK Hospital hosted an informative Dia-beat Webinar exploring the connection between diabetes and kidney disease. Led by Dr. Ajinkya Patil, Specialist in Nephrology at RAK Hospital, highlighted key insights into preventing and managing Diabetic Nephropathy. Dr. Patil highlighted the effect of diabetes on kidney function and stressed the importance of early screening to prevent long-term complications.

Dr. Patil highlighted diabetes as a severe non-communicable pandemic impacting the modern world, with a striking 12.3% prevalence in the UAE—affecting over 1.2 million people—and an even higher rate of 25% in the Northern Emirates. Referencing data from the International Diabetes Federation, he noted that the UAE’s diabetes rate surpasses the global average of 9.3%, underscoring a major public health challenge.

“Diabetes is not merely one illness; it’s a multifaceted condition that impacts multiple organs in the body,” Dr. Patil stated. Diabetic Nephropathy, affecting 6.8% of those with diabetes, is the most common complication, outpacing neuropathy (5.3%), retinopathy (4.2%), and coronary heart disease (3.2%). He further pointed out that many people may not realise they have the condition, as over 10% of the population could be living with undiagnosed diabetes.

In his presentation, Dr. Patil described how diabetes harms the kidneys by damaging the small blood vessels responsible for filtering waste. When these vessels are impaired, waste removal becomes inefficient, leading to a condition called microalbuminuria, where protein starts to leak into the urine. “Protein presence in urine serves as an early indicator of kidney damage and can be identified through a basic urine test,” he clarified. Additionally, a blood test that measures Urea, Creatinine, and eGFR can assess kidney function, allowing for early intervention to prevent severe damage. If kidney disease is suspected, further evaluations such as ultrasound imaging and additional kidney function tests are performed.

The population most at risk includes people with poorly controlled blood sugar, obesity, sedentary habits, smoking, or hypertension. Dr. Patil highlighted that kidney disease symptoms often remain undetected in the first 2-3 years, leaving patients unaware until the illness progresses to more severe stages. “An informed patient who notices signs such as frothy urine, swelling in the legs or feet, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, or recurring nausea can seek medical attention sooner, which is essential for improving outcomes,” he stressed.

In addressing diabetic nephropathy, Dr. Patil stressed the importance of controlling blood sugar and blood pressure as a foundation of treatment. Nephrologists often prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, and the newly available Finerenone to help slow the progression of kidney disease and enhance kidney function. “These medications are vital,” he noted, “but their effectiveness increases significantly when combined with lifestyle changes.” He recommended dietary modifications, including limiting protein intake to 1 gram per kilogram of body weight and avoiding processed foods and excess salt. He also emphasised the benefits of moderate daily exercise, like 30 minutes of walking, and the importance of quitting smoking to support kidney health.

Dr. Patil cautioned that if Diabetic Nephropathy is not addressed in its early stages, patients may face a significant decline in kidney function, ultimately leading to the need for dialysis. He stressed that without timely intervention, dialysis may become unavoidable in the future, underscoring the need for routine kidney function monitoring in all diabetics. He advised patients to collaborate closely with nephrologists, specialists in managing kidney diseases, who can provide advanced care and treatment options.

The Dia-beat Webinar highlighted RAK Hospital’s dedication to promoting a well- informed community by providing accessible education on diabetes and its related complications. Through the RAK Diabetes Challenge, the hospital has established a supportive environment for participants to learn, connect, and take proactive steps toward managing their health. By emphasising the widespread impact of diabetes on various organ systems and the importance of early intervention, RAK Hospital aims to empower individuals to make lifestyle changes that can prevent or delay the onset of severe complications.

The RAK Diabetes Challenge initiative remains dedicated to empowering the community by providing valuable resources and knowledge to fight diabetes, fostering a healthier future for Ras Al Khaimah and the broader UAE.