Chronic high glucose levels can damage your kidneys by making them work too hard to filter waste from your bloodstream. You can help prevent kidney disease by keeping your blood sugar levels in your target range. If you already have kidney damage, you can slow its progression by avoiding high blood sugar and following a diet that doesn't place too much strain on your kidneys. You'll need to limit your fluid protein, sodium, potassium and phosphorous intake, while ensuring your body gets all the essential nutrients it needs.
Protein
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that you lower protein consumption to about 10 percent of your total caloric intake if you have kidney disease. Your kidneys work hard to filter byproducts of protein digestion -- limiting protein intake can slow the progression of kidney disease. Try to limit animal protein sources and use legumes, nuts or soy for some of your protein requirements. Plant proteins are easier to for your kidneys to metabolize, according to March 2003 article the "Harvard University Gazette."
Salt
Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney disease, and high blood pressure is the second leading cause, according to 2007 information noted by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Reduce your sodium intake by eating more fresh foods and limiting packaged and processed foods. According to the ADA, Blood pressure has a dramatic effect on the rate at which the disease progresses; even a mild rise in blood pressure can quickly worsen kidney disease worsen Excess sodium leads to water retention and increases blood volume, taxing your kidneys.
Potassium and Phosphorous
Diabetics following a renal diet may need to limit two other minerals in addition to sodium: potassium and phosphorous. If your kidneys can't filter potassium from your body, excess potassium may cause an irregular heart beat or stop your heart beat entirely. Excess phosphorous decreases calcium levels, which can lead to osteoporosis. Avoid phosphorous by limiting peanut butter, cheese, liver, sardines and diet soda. Keep potassium levels low by avoiding bananas, avocados, melons, dried fruits and bitter greens such as dandelion, beet and mustard greens.
Carbohydrates, Fat and Calories
Reducing your protein intake often reduces you total caloric intake. If you're overweight, this may help you lose weight. Maintaining a healthy body weight will help keep both glucose and blood pressure levels in your target range. If you're not trying to lose weight, you may need to increase both your fat and carbohydrate intake to make up for lost protein calories. Both carbohydrates and protein have 4 calories per gram, but fat has more than double that -- 9 calories per gram. Your diabetic diet may change if your kidney disease progresses. If you need to start dialysis, your protein requirements will increase to make up for tissue lost during the dialysis process.
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
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diabetes Diet -- General Dietery Guidelines
- Medical College of Wisconsin: Diet for Renal Patient
- Harvard School of Public Health: Your Nutrition Source -- Protein
