Smoking High blood pressure that is left untreated Chronically elevated blood sugar levels A sedentary lifestyle Being overweight or obese.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you will most likely have to check your blood sugar levels three or more times a day. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you have type 2 diabetes, you will most likely have to check your blood sugar levels one or more times a day. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Monitoring your blood sugar levels is key to helping you better control them, and to keep them in a range that will not worsen your chances of developing kidney failure down the road. The most effective way to control blood sugars is through proper diet and exercise and then medications.
White bread, white rice, packaged pancake and waffle mix, muffins, etc. are all refined carbohydrates (Note that whole grains consumed in moderation are much better for you to eat than refined carbohydrates, especially if you are diabetic. ) Soft drinks like soda and drink powders. Candies, pies, cookies, and cakes. Dried fruit. Ice cream. Jams, sauces, and salad dressings.
Ideally, you want to aim for a blood pressure below 140/90 (the top number being the “systolic reading,” and the bottom number being the “diastolic reading”). Speak to your doctor about how best to achieve that blood pressure goal if you are not within that range already (and note that there are always exceptions, so it is important to speak to your doctor before making any dramatic lifestyle or medication changes). [7] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Eat lean meats sparingly. Trans fats are found in fried foods, candy, and commercial baked goods like cookies, cakes, frozen pizza, pie crust, and crackers. Avoid using margarine and any foods with “partially hydrogenated oils” listed on the ingredients — these are trans fats. [9] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Extra table salt on your food. Too many sauces and salad dressings Cured meat like bacon, jerky, and salami. Cheeses like Roquefort, Parmesan, and Romano Snacks like pretzels, chips and crackers Fast food
Beans; nuts and seeds (pumpkin, squash, watermelon seeds, almonds, pistachios); cooked lentils; oats; green peas Tofu and soy products. Meat like chicken and turkey breast, pork loin, and lean beef Fish like cod, tuna, salmon Cheese, particularly low-fat mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and whole parmesan Eggs, yogurt, and milk Note that it is important to keep some protein in your diet in order to have balanced nutrition; it is just about eating protein in moderation rather than in excess if you are worried about the health of your kidneys. In fact, it is best to eat a plant-based (preferably vegetarian or vegan diet). You can obtain more than enough protein by consuming different types of vegetables, whole grains, and especially different beans, legumes, and nuts.
Try running, swimming, biking, hiking, rock climbing, or kick-boxing. Anything that gets your body moving and elevates your heart rate is a good thing. Be sure to get clearance from your doctor before beginning any exercise program for the first time or after a long period of inactivity.
Hypertension (high blood pressure). Diabetic kidney disease. Kidney failure.
A commonly prescribed hypoglycemic medication is Metformin. [16] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The usual dosage is generally between 500 mg and 1 gram once or twice a day depending on your blood sugar levels. Metformin is the most commonly prescribed medication in diabetic patients.
Doctors commonly prescribe a statin called atorvastatin. The dosage is normally 10 to 80 mg a day, depending on your cholesterol levels. You can also use red rice yeast which contains the same active ingredient as statins. Your doctor may also put you on other cholesterol medications like fish oil depending on your cholesterol numbers.
A commonly prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor is lisinopril. The normal dose is between 5 and 20 mg a day depending on your blood pressure. In addition to lowering blood pressure, this class of drugs (the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) also has a “protective effect” on the kidneys, so the benefits are multiple.
Chlorpromazine (an oral tablet given at 150 to 250 mg per day). Tolazamide (Tolinase: an oral tablet given at 100 to 250 mg/day at weekly intervals). Tolbutamide (Orinase: an oral tablet given at 250 mg to 2g per day). Glyburide (Diabeta or Micronase: given orally at 1. 25 to 20 mg per day). Glipizide (Glucotrol: given orally at 5 mg per day).
Rosiglitazone (Avandia) is an example of a thiazolidinedione generally given initially at 4 mg per day or may be divided every 12 hours. These medications are only occasionally used and are not necessary for all diabetics.
Protein in your urine (as detected on the microalbuminuria test) is usually a red flag that your kidneys are not in optimal health, and that it is time to begin steps to prevent any further damage. This test is recommended to have once a year. If you have type 1 diabetes, testing should begin five years after diagnosis. If you have type 2 diabetes, testing should begin annually starting at the time of diagnosis. [24] X Trustworthy Source University of California San Francisco Health Center Research hospital associated with UCSF, a leading medical university, providing innovative patient care and public health resources Go to source
One of the main signs of fluid retention is the skin around your eyes becoming puffy.
The most common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.
