Pentoxifylline, also known as Trental, Pentopak, and Pentoxil, is used in Type 2 diabetes to treat poor circulation to the hands or feet. It helps the red blood cells to go through the smaller blood vessels, bringing oxygen and nutrients to all the cells. According to new research, it could also be helpful in treating diabetic nephropathy, or kidney disease. The kidney is full of many blood vessels that bring blood to be cleansed and returned to the circulation. Blood vessels can be damaged by high blood sugar, and diabetic nephropathy is one of the more serious complications of Type 2 diabetes.
In a study published in the journal Nefrologia in November 2012, 100 patients with diabetic nephrology were assigned to two groups. One group was given the usual medications and the other group was given the usual medications as well as pentoxifylline...
- the patients taking pentoxifylline showed significant improvement, while
- those patients taking only the standard medications showed no improvement.
From these results it was concluded that pentoxifylline could slow down the progression of diabetic kidney disease. If further research supports this study, then the drug could become one more weapon in the battle to save the kidneys of diabetics.
Pentoxifylline is typically prescribed when patients complain of aching or tiredness in their hands and/or feet. Diabetics often feel pain in their feet or legs when walking, and walking is important. With pentoxifylline they can continue to walk and improve the circulation to their legs and feet to keep them healthy.
The drug is taken three times per day. Improvements are often seen in as little as 2 to 4 weeks, although it can take up to 8 weeks for the full effects to take place. Side effects include upset stomach and vomiting, so the pills should not be taken on an empty stomach. Gas, dizziness, and headaches are other possible mild side effects. Chest pain and fast heartbeat are indications to stop taking the medication immediately and call your doctor.
To prevent diabetic nephropathy:
- control your blood sugar levels,
- eat a diet low in fat and cholesterol,
- maintain a healthy blood pressure (as advised by your doctor), and
- get enough exercise.
Pain medications such as Ibuprofen or Naprosyn can damage your kidneys, so make sure to discuss this with your doctor. All urinary tract infections should be treated promptly before they can damage your kidneys. Once a year your doctor will want to check your urine for a protein called albumin which should not leak from normal healthy kidneys. He or she can also check your blood to learn whether waste is being cleared from it by your kidneys.
Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. It need not slowly and inevitably get worse and lead to diabetic complications, such as kidney disease. Now is the time to take control of the disease... and take back your health.
For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverleigh_H_Piepers
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