Kidney stones occur due to a variety of reasons, and it is difficult to get rid of them without any medical treatment. Did you know that kidney stones can cause other health conditions in the body? Yes, there are certain health conditions that increase the risk of kidney stones. One such condition is ‘diabetes’. Yes, it is well established that diabetes can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially when it is poorly controlled. To know how, continue reading. 

To make this post useful for readers, we have taken references from expert urologists, like Dr. Niren Rao, who is known for offering the best kidney stone treatment in Delhi. The blog will detail the connection between diabetes and kidney stones and when one should see a urologist. Keep reading to learn more.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard-like formations made up of excessive calcium oxalate, struvite, uric acid, or cysteine. These substances may band together inside the kidneys to form stones that can range in size. When these stones form, they usually pass out of the body through the urinary tract. However, larger stones can be excruciatingly painful to pass and may get stuck in the urinary tract. 

How Does Diabetes Tend to Increase the Risk of Kidney Stones?

Diabetes tends to increase the acidity of the urine. If the blood glucose levels increase, the acidity in the blood increases, which increases the acid levels in the urine. And one must understand that acidic urine also increases the risk of kidney stones. Therefore, this is why there is an increased risk of having kidney stones in individuals suffering from diabetes. 

Following a diabetes care plan to control blood glucose and drinking enough water every day can help reduce the risk. However, to be specific, type 2 diabetes is linked with kidney stones, and patients experiencing this are at a higher risk of developing them. Patients suffering from diabetes must maintain a low-sodium diet to lower the risk of the condition.

Note: It is vital for individuals with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare professionals to manage their blood sugar level and minimize the risk of complications like kidney stones. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and taking care of any underlying issues like obesity can help individuals with diabetes lower their risk. 

Therefore, in a nutshell, insulin resistance from diabetes, i.e., when the cells stop responding to insulin, increases the level of calcium in the urine, making kidney stones more likely. That is why individuals with type 2 diabetes have a high level of insulin, which makes their urine more acidic. This can also lead to a different type of kidney stone, i.e., uric acid stones.

When to See a Urologist for Kidney Stones?

If one experiences symptoms such as blood in the urine, severe abdominal and back pain, vomiting, etc., one must seek medical attention right away. Increasing the water intake and taking over-the-counter medications may help individuals pass small stones. However, if the stones are large, other procedures to break up the stones would be recommended.

One can consult Dr. Niren Rao, a renowned urology doctor in Delhi having experience spanning more than 19 years. He performs several procedures to eliminate kidney stones, such as PCNL, Mini PCNL, RIRS (retrograde intrarenal surgery), and URS (uretero-renoscopy).

To avail the benefits of these effective kidney stone procedures, one can visit Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice to consult Dr. Niren Rao now!