Diabetes and Your Kidneys

How do diabetes and your kidneys relate to one another? About 1 out of every 3 adults living with diabetes will develop diabetic kidney disease in their lifetime. When your kidneys become damaged they are unable to do their main job. This is filtering waste and extra water out of your bloodstream to create urine. Thus, causing the waste to begin building up slowly over years (as in most cases with diabetes). However, there are steps you can take to both protect, prevent, and delay kidney damage! 

In order to keep your kidneys healthy while having diabetes, you’ll want to make sure you’re hitting your daily goals for your blood glucose levels, as well as blood pressure. Taking your medication as directed and developing healthy lifestyle habits is certainly a good way to do so. Some other changes to take into consideration include:

• As always, STOP smoking! 
• Get ample sleep (about 7-8 hours a night)
• Come up with a healthy meal plan & limit sodium 
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Incorporate physical activity 3-5 times a week 

Taking these steps and staying on track is a sure-fire way to slow or even prevent kidney damage caused by diabetes. If you are ever concerned about diabetic kidney disease, always consult with your doctor to assess the best course of action specifically for you.