Doctor Warns of Unseen Disease: Diabetic Woman Unaware of Second Diagnosis

In Lithuania, the insidious nature of diabetic kidney disease is a growing concern, often progressing silently until advanced stages. Dr. D. Veličkienė emphasizes that diabetes disrupts not just glucose metabolism but also lipid and protein metabolism, fostering chronic inflammation that damages blood vessels. This, in turn, affects the delicate capillaries of the kidneys and their filtering units, leading to albuminuria – the leakage of protein into the urine, a key early indicator.

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Because symptoms are often absent for a long time, kidney damage is frequently detected only in later stages.

The article features Lina Jurgeliavičienė, a member of the Lithuanian Association "Gyvastis," which supports organ transplant recipients. Her journey underscores the critical need for proactive health management. Lina recalls a time when advanced monitoring tools like sensors and insulin pumps were less accessible, relying on basic glucose meters. She admits that prioritizing her health took a backseat to raising two young children, potentially contributing to her current health challenges.

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Before, we didn't have sensors or insulin pumps – only those simple blood glucose meters. I was young, had two small children, so I always pushed myself to the background. And then the sugar was really high, I just didn't always manage to keep an eye on it. Now I think that improper care could have harmed my health.

Lina's experience, despite regular check-ups, illustrates the unpredictable progression of kidney disease, even with medical supervision. While her condition was detected early through routine tests, its rapid deterioration last year serves as a stark reminder that diabetes complications can be severe. The Lithuanian medical community stresses that for individuals with type 1 diabetes, kidney function checks should begin five years after diagnosis, and for type 2, immediately upon diagnosis and annually thereafter. This proactive approach, involving simple urine and blood tests, is vital for preserving kidney function and overall health in Lithuania.

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The only way to detect kidney damage in time is through regular preventive examinations.