Type 2 Diabetes remains a significant health challenge for men over 40 around the world. Now with the emerging threat of Type 2 Diabetes causing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in men experts all agree that knowing the early warning signs can be the difference of a successful treatment or not.

What Is Type II CKD Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). It typically develops in adulthood but can occur at any age.1 In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin (insulin resistance), which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, the pancreas may produce more insulin to compensate, but over time, it may not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes can lead to various complications, including damage to the kidneys (diabetic nephropathy), nerves, eyes, heart, and blood vessels.
CKD Otherwise Known As Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time. It can be caused by various factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and other underlying medical conditions. CKD is typically classified into stages, with Stage 1 being the mildest and Stage 5 being the most severe (often referred to as end-stage renal disease or ESRD). The severity of CKD is determined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures kidney function, and the presence of kidney damage. Diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, can lead to kidney damage and is a common cause of CKD.
What is Empagliflozin and How Does It Help Diabetes?
Empagliflozin is a medication used in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. These medications work by targeting the kidneys to help lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. One of the major reasons it works for Diabetes is the Inhibition of SGLT2: In the kidneys, glucose is filtered from the blood into the urine. SGLT2 is a protein responsible for reabsorbing glucose from the urine back into the bloodstream. Empagliflozin inhibits SGLT2, preventing the reabsorption of glucose in the kidney tubules.
Blood Glucose Monitoring is Vital for Diabetics
For individuals living with diabetes, blood glucose monitoring plays a crucial role in managing the condition. Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar levels properly, leading to fluctuations that can be harmful over time. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels helps diabetics make informed decisions about diet, physical activity, and medication management to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.2
By monitoring blood glucose levels, diabetics can:
- Assess the effectiveness of their diabetes management plan: Regular monitoring allows individuals to evaluate how well their treatment is working and make necessary adjustments under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
- Identify patterns and trends: Tracking blood glucose levels over time helps identify patterns, such as high or low sugar spikes, which can aid in adjusting lifestyle habits to achieve better control.
- Prevent acute complications: Consistently monitoring blood glucose levels can help prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hypoglycemia, both of which can be life-threatening if left untreated.
What Are 6 Warning Signs Of Diabetes To Look Out For?
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria): One of the most common early signs of diabetes is frequent urination. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can lead to increased urine production, causing individuals to urinate more often than usual, especially at night.3
- Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Increased urination can lead to dehydration, causing individuals with diabetes to feel extremely thirsty. They may find themselves drinking more fluids than usual.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Individuals with uncontrolled diabetes, particularly Type 1 diabetes, may experience unexplained weight loss. This occurs because the body is unable to properly utilize glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down fat and muscle tissues for energy instead.
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia): Despite eating regularly, people with diabetes may experience increased hunger. This is often related to the body’s inability to use glucose for energy, leading to a feeling of constant hunger.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Diabetes can lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness, as the body’s cells may not be getting the energy they need due to insufficient glucose uptake. This can result in reduced physical and mental energy levels.
- Blurred Vision: High levels of blood sugar can cause changes in the shape of the lens of the eye, leading to blurred or fluctuating vision. This vision problem is often temporary and can improve with better blood sugar control.
Natural Health Tips to Manage Diabetes
In addition to regular blood glucose monitoring and medical treatment, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly benefit individuals with diabetes. Here are some natural health tips to help manage diabetes effectively:
- Balanced Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-carb snacks, as they can cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga. Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to better utilize glucose for energy.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact blood sugar levels. Practice stress-relieving activities, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or spending time in nature.4
- Proper Hydration: Stay well-hydrated, as water can help flush out excess glucose from the bloodstream.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night, as poor sleep can affect blood sugar control.
- Medication Adherence: If prescribed medication to manage diabetes, follow the prescribed dosage and schedule to ensure optimal effectiveness.
See Type II CKD Diabetes Medication Empagliflozin Dosage
Blood glucose monitors are indispensable tools for diabetics, allowing them to monitor their blood sugar levels and make informed decisions about their diabetes management. Despite their importance, some diabetics face challenges in accessing and affording glucose monitoring equipment. Governments and healthcare systems offer assistance programs to address this issue, ensuring that diabetics can obtain the necessary tools for effective diabetes management. Additionally, online resources provide opportunities for diabetics to access free glucose monitors through reputable sources. To see the best blood glucose monitors for diabetics, start an online search now.
References:
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/type-2-diabetes
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-symptoms/
- https://www.mindful.org/how-to-manage-stress-with-mindfulness-and-meditation/