Almost 45 percent of the people with kidney disease are diabetics, the number one cause of kidney failure, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Chronic high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and impair your kidney's ability to filter waste from your body. Controlling glucose levels can help prevent kidney disease or slow its progression, as can certain dietary changes.
Limiting Protein Intake
Protein metabolism places a greater burden on your kidneys than digesting fat or carbohydrates. The best way to slow the progression of kidney disease is to stop any behavior that taxes your kidneys more than necessary. The American Diabetes Association recommends limiting protein consumption to no more than 10 percent of your daily caloric intake. The type of protein you eat makes a difference -- digesting plant protein is easier on your kidneys than digesting animal protein, according to a 2003 article in the "Harvard University Gazette."
Changing Your Carbohydrate Intake
Most diabetic diets limit carbohydrates because of their immediate impact on blood sugar. However, on a renal diet, you may need to increase carbohydrate intake to make up for calories that were once consumed as protein. According to a study published in 1999 in the journal "Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation," diabetics should make up lost calories with carbs rather than fat; increases in the carbohydrate ration are accompanied by an improvement in the action of insulin, such as a diminution in insulin resistance, while increased fat consumption -- particularly saturated fat consumption -- has the opposite effect.
Potassium and Phosphorous
People with diabetes are often encouraged to consume carbs low on the glycemic index to avoid dramatic increases in blood sugar, which include whole grains and brown rice, rather than refined white flours and white rice. Diabetics with kidney disease need to choose refined grains instead of whole grains to avoid potassium and phosphorous -- two minerals that can cause serious health complications if your kidneys can't filter excess minerals from your bloodstream. Excess potassium can lead to an irregular heartbeat and too much phosphorous can block your body's absorption of calcium, leading to osteoporosis.
Sodium Intake
High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney disease, according to 2007 information provided by the NIDDKD, and even a very mild rise in blood pressure can dramatically increase the progression of kidney disease. Limiting your sodium intake will prevent water retention and help regulate body fluids, easing the burden on your kidneys. The American Heart Association states that more than 75 percent of the sodium in the average diet comes from processed or packaged foods. Try to eat fresh or frozen foods, rather than canned and limit your restaurant dining. When cooking at home, use herbs and spices rather than salt to enhance the flavors of your food.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Kidney Disease
- American Association of Kidney Patients: How Can I Follow My Diabetic and Renal Diet Restrictions?;Carra Moroni; July 2006
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Kidney Disease of Diabetes
- "Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation"; Which Diet for Diabetic Pateinst with Chronic Renal Failure?; H. Gin, et al.; 1999
- American Heart Association: Sodium
- Medical College of Wisconsin; Diet for Renal Patient; 2010
