People living with diabetes are more prone to kidney disease than those without it, as high blood glucose can damage kidney vessels over time and lead to waste build-up in the blood.
Tight control of blood glucose and blood pressure can significantly lower the risk of kidney disease. Also addressing behavioral risk factors, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle choices, smoking or excessive alcohol usage can be instrumental in protecting kidneys from harm.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Long-term exposure to high levels of glucose can damage kidney blood vessels – known as diabetic nephropathy. This condition can ultimately lead to kidney failure as well as higher blood pressure which further strains their function.
An eating regimen rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and fat-free dairy products can help lower kidney damage from diabetes. Aim to consume as many fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and fat-free dairy products as possible while limiting sodium (salt), sugar (sugar) and saturated fat intake by switching over to unsaturated sources like olive oil, nuts or fish for best results.
Urine protein tests (albuminuria) are one of the first indicators of kidney disease among people living with diabetes. If detected early enough during microalbuminuria treatment can stop its progress; you should undergo this test at least twice annually.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
The kidneys play an essential role in flushing waste from our bodies, managing blood pressure and maintaining fluid balance. Diabetes increases blood glucose (sugar) levels which can damage kidneys. High glucose (sugar) levels cause them to leak protein into urine through microalbuminuria which is an early symptom of kidney disease.
As it’s good news that keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure under control can lower the risk of kidney disease, speak with your physician, diabetes educator or registered dietician nutritionist (RDN) about making smart food choices and managing fluid intake.
A healthy diet involves eating a wide range of food while restricting intake of saturated and trans fats as well as added sugars. Regular physical activity and weight management are also key.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is vital to managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels and decreasing risk for kidney disease in those living with diabetes.
Exercise helps lower blood sugar by mobilising fat stores for energy use and decreasing glucose levels in the blood. Furthermore, it improves insulin sensitivity.
Prior to beginning an exercise program, always consult your healthcare provider first. Some individuals may take medication that could lower blood sugar while exercising; therefore it is crucial that blood sugars be checked prior, during, and post exercise in order to adjust dosage as necessary.
Aerobic or continuous exercises such as brisk walking can help lower blood sugar levels. Resistance exercise (weight training with equipment or body weight), and interval exercises also offer tremendous health benefits.
Manage Your Blood Pressure
When blood glucose levels are elevated, kidneys work harder to filter the blood. Over time, this strain causes microalbuminuria – where protein leakage into urine from overworked kidneys occurs – if caught early. If treated early enough during this phase, numerous treatments are available that can slow or stop damage to prevent end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
High blood pressure (or hypertension) is an established risk factor for diabetes and other health complications, so it’s crucial that your health care team sets an achievable goal number for you.
Consult with your doctor regarding taking an ACE inhibitor medication that can protect the kidneys. Also inquire whether finerenone might help reduce kidney scarring and lower protein levels in urine.
Manage Your Blood Sugar
Maintaining normal levels of sugar, blood pressure and fat can help slow the progression of kidney disease. Work with your healthcare professional to set goals in these areas such as losing weight, engaging in regular physical activity and testing your blood sugar regularly.
High levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood can damage the tiny blood vessels lining kidneys over time, eventually resulting in them leaking tiny amounts of protein into urine – an early indicator of kidney damage known as microalbuminuria.
Controlling diabetes, controlling blood pressure and decreasing salt consumption are all proven strategies to combat or at least slow the progress of diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, medications like angiotensin II receptor blockers or ACE inhibitors may also help protect against kidney damage.
