Physical activity in diabetic nephropathy-protective and preventive effects on the occurrence of diabetic complications

Introduction and purpose Nephropathy is characterized by a gradual increase in blood pressure, urinary albumin excretion and cardiovascular risk. It is associated with a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) resulting in end-stage renal failure. It lowers the standard of living and leads to premature death in patients with this complication of diabetes. The purpose of this article is to present the problem of diabetic nephropathy, possible diagnostic methods, treatment methods with emphasis on the effect of physical activity on improving and alleviating diabetic nephropathy. State of knowledge This article reviews the literature on type 1 and type 2 diabetes, diabetic complications with special attention to diabetic nephropathy and the effect of exercise on the frequency and progression of this complication. The number of people with diabetes and the associated complications of diabetes are steadily increasing. Proper diet and physical activity can maintain normal blood glucose levels and slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy as well as other diabetic complications. Material and method The literature available in “PubMed” and Google Schoolar was reviewed. The focus was on the problem of complications of diabetes mellitus with a special emphasis on diabetic nephropathy, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment methods and prevention of nephropathy through the beneficial effects of exercise in diabetic patients. Summary In our review, we managed to show how diabetic nephropathy is a big problem in diabetic patients. Based on a number of studies, we were able to prove the beneficial effects of physical activity on reducing the incidence of diabetes complications. Through a variety of modalities and mechanisms, exercise helps control blood sugar and blood pressure and reduce serum creatinine and albuminuria, thereby alleviating kidney damage.