Proteinuria

Patient was educated on proteinuria as follows: Healthy kidneys with optimally functioning glomeruli will not allow protein to filter through their glomeruli, as the protein molecules are large. So, the usual amount of protein found in urine is almost negligible. Proteinuria is a condition where protein is found in significant amounts in the urine, which can be diagnosed with a simple urine test. Proteinuria can signify either uncontrolled long-standing blood pressure and/or uncontrolled long-standing diabetes, [...]

Glomerular Filtration Rate

Patient was educated on Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) as follows: Glomerular filtration rate is the best test to measure your level of kidney function and determine your stage of kidney disease. This number can be calculated from the results of your blood work. This number tells whether your kidneys are working normally or has their function been compromised. If your GFR number is low, your kidneys are not functioning at an optimal level, as they [...]

Nurse Teaching on Characteristics of Diabetic Nephropathy

Patient was educated on the characteristics of diabetic nephropathy as follows: Elevated arterial blood pressure – Poorly managed diabetes with prolonged elevated blood glucose lead to chronic inflammation of the blood vessels. Fat deposits in the inflamed blood vessels, narrowing the vessels and thereby, leading to atherosclerosis and elevated blood pressure. Prolonged elevated blood pressure in the renal blood vessels lead to deposition of fibrin and changes in the mesangial connective tissue, which contribute to [...]

Diabetic Nephropathy

Patient was educated on diabetic nephropathy as follows: Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and is responsible for 30-40% of all end-stage renal disease Majority of the cases of diabetic nephropathy presents with proteinuria, which progressively gets worse as the disease progresses. This is a condition in which glomerulus, the filtering mechanism in the kidneys, gets affected.

Risk Factors for Diabetes

Patient was educated on risk factors for diabetes as follows: Overweight and obesity with a body mass index above 25. Physical inactivity. Age 45 or older. Family history of type 2 diabetes. Certain races, such as, African-American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian-American or a Pacific Islander are more prone to being a diabetic. Females who developed gestational diabetes when they were pregnant. Having high blood pressure. Having low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) or high LDL cholesterol [...]