Diabetes is a chronic illness that requires continuing medical care and patient self-management education to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. As the prevalence of diabetes continues to soar, primary care practitioners are confronted with an ever-increasing tide of patients presenting with signs of diabetic nephropathy. Undiagnosed chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common in patients with diabetes. Because of the likelihood that diabetic patients will develop nephropathy—they account for roughly half of all CKD cases—ADA recommends that primary care clinicians screen all diabetic patients for kidney disease on an annual basis.
A symposium at the 65th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) in San Diego and reports from new research also presented at the June 10–14 meeting identified the most effective nephropathy screening and care management techniques for the primary care setting. Elizabeth Heubeck in DOC News this September, provides a nutrition guide for diabetic Nephropathy, which includes following a nutritionally sound diet as an integral part of managing diabetic nephropathy.It is suggested that patients who have diabetic nephropathy, should aim for a balanced diet, eat enough carbohydrates, limit fat, sodium, avoid high-protein diets, and eliminate phosphorus from the diet. It is also important to be aware of potassium retention.
