Along with several other health issues, diabetes also brings a threat of damage to the kidneys. According to the statistics, 1 person from every 3 diabetic patients faces SKD which is a condition when kidneys are unable to filter the blood to their best.
High blood sugar levels are the main reason behind it. It often results in high blood pressure, reduced blood flow to kidneys, and risk of kidney stones. Luckily, there are ways that are quite helpful to reverse kidney damage from diabetes and live a normal healthy life.
Let’s know some of the ways to manage diabetes progression and even reverse kidney damage if you have come up with any of the reasons mentioned above.
1. Consume a less salty, sugary, and fatty diet
Diet has a vital role in this regard as it helps to control the blood sugar levels that are the primary reasons behind kidney failure. A study published in the Journal of Renal Nutrition in 2011 shows that a less salty diet can help you slow the process of possible kidney damage. It helps to grab time for proper treatment and could save you from having a kidney transplant or dialysis.
Similarly, another study from the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology shows that consuming diets specifically low in fructose also flowers down this progression of diabetes. Ultimately, it helps to maintain kidney health. A low-fat diet also helps to eradicate the chances of some cardiovascular diseases along with improving blood sugar. It is better to consult with a dietitian and have a proper diet plan in this regard.
2. Do regular physical activities
Regular exercise can increase insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to utilize insulin more efficiently and resulting in lower blood sugar levels. This can aid in treating and avoiding diabetes, which is essential for controlling and preventing diabetic nephropathy.
Additionally, regular exercise can help lower blood pressure, a significant risk factor for renal disease. Kidney function may suffer as a result of high blood pressure harming the kidneys’ tiny blood channels.
3. Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight increases blood pressure which is a significant risk factor for renal disease. Therefore, lowering your weight is also a proven way to reverse the kidney damage caused by diabetes. Achieving a healthy weight is only possible by having healthy foods along with continuous exercise.
It is significant to remember that everyone’s optimal weight varies and that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can be difficult. To create a unique plan to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, it’s always vital to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician, a dietitian, and an exercise specialist.
4. Take Doctor’s prescribed medicine
Usually, people face multiple kidney-related complications at the same time. Therefore, it is vital to follow the complete medication procedure as prescribed by the doctor. There are several medicines out there that can help prevent and manage diabetes and diabetic nephropathy.
Similarly, there are multiple medicines that are helpful to slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy and delay the onset of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
5. Quit smoking, if applicable
Blood pressure is a significant risk factor for kidney disease, and smoking can raise it. Kidney function may deteriorate as a result of high blood pressure harming the kidneys’ tiny blood channels. Therefore, quitting smoking could be the key factor in the journey to reverse kidney damage.
It is important to remember that giving up smoking can be difficult and may take several tries. Counseling, support groups, and nicotine replacement treatment may be beneficial in this process. To create a suitable strategy to stop smoking, it’s always vital to speak with a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or a smoking cessation specialist.
We can conclude from all these aspects that reversing the process of kidney damage from diabetes is possible. However, it would require strictly following the said parameters and making them a part of the routine. On the other hand, a continuous check-up from a specialist is also necessary to track the changes in this journey.