Also known as diabetic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy affects up to 40 percent of people with diabetes. This complication of diabetes impairs the ability of the kidneys to eliminate waste products and extra fluid from the body.
In an earlier study, a team of researchers from Capital Medical University in China found that high-glucose-treated glomerular endothelial cells produce an increased number of exosomes that contain transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-B1) in order to activate glomerular mesangial cells. The activation of these cells via the TGF-B1/Smad3 signaling pathway is believed to contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy.
The research team also reported that tong xin luo can be used to treat diabetic nephropathy in diabetic patients and mice with Type 2 diabetes. However, they were not able to determine whether or not tong xin luo could improve the structure and function of the kidneys. Therefore, in the current study, researchers looked at the potential of tong xin luo in suppressing the intercellular transfer of TGF-B1-containing exosomes from glomerular endothelial cells to glomerular mesangial cells.
The results showed that tong xin luo can suppress the secretion of TGF-B1-containing exosomes from high-glucose-treated glomerular endothelial cells. In addition, they found that treatment with tong xin luo can suppress glomerular mesangial cell activation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix overproduction both in vitro and in vivo.
From these findings, the research team concluded that tong xin luo can treat diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the transfer of TGF-B1 from glomerular endothelial cells to glomerular mesangial cells. Treating diabetic nephropathy is important because it may lead to kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease. It is a life-threatening condition that may require a kidney transplant.
Reducing your risk of kidney disease
For people with diabetes, the best way to slow or prevent kidney disease is to try to attain healthy blood sugar levels and blood pressure. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the kidney, and when these blood vessels are damaged, they won't be able to function properly. It is also important to control blood pressure because high blood pressure can damage the kidneys. Keeping cholesterol and lipid levels under control is also important to prevent further damage to larger blood vessels, including those in the brain and the heart. (Related: Treating diabetes is also dependent on your mindset.)
People with diabetes and kidney disease should limit their protein and salt intake. Research shows that consuming less protein can prevent kidney damage. Cutting down on salt intake also helps control high blood pressure and reduce body swelling.
High-fat foods, junk foods, and foods packed with unhealthy carbohydrates and starch contribute to the development of diabetic kidney disease, so it is important to avoid eating these foods. Instead, follow a diet that includes lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, and lean meat; fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and tuna; organic vegetables, such as arugula, bell peppers, cabbage, onions, and radish; and plant sources of protein, such as beans, grains, and nuts.
A study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Renal Physiology suggests being more physically active to people with diabetes. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, can help improve kidney function and prevent kidney disease in diabetics.
Visit DiabetesCure.news to read more articles on natural ways to prevent diabetes complications like kidney disease.
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