Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two major causes of kidney disease in the United States. The CDC states that about 1 in 3 adults with diabetes and 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Scary part: Most often, the damage to the kidneys starts silently with no signs or symptoms until the damage is severe.
The good news is that prevention and lifestyle can go a long way in keeping your kidneys safe from any damage from diabetes and high blood pressure. In this guide, we will discuss how to diabetes and high blood pressure can implicate kidney health in America and what Americans can do to live a healthy lifestyle to maintain strong kidneys.
How Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Harm the Kidneys
These organs filter out wastes and extra fluids within the blood. In the course of its functioning, high sugar and increased blood pressure compromise the vessels within these organs, impairing proper functioning.
Diabetes and Kidney Damage
High blood sugar also puts a strain on the filtering units in the kidneys (glomeruli). Eventually, this leads to diabetic nephropathy, a major cause of kidney failure in the United States.
Other potential effects are the increased risk that high blood pressure can
As high blood pressure makes the blood vessel smaller, the blood flow to the kidneys is reduced, resulting in scar formation on the kidneys, leading to hypertensive disease of the kidneys.
If the presence of diabetes and high blood pressure is combined, the risk of failure is increased significantly.
Early Signs of Kidney Damage that Shouldn’t be Ignored
Kidney disease is also called a “silent disease,” yet some of its initial or symptoms of kidney disease are:
- Protein in Urine (Foamy Urine)
- Swelling in Feet, Ankles, and/or Hands
- Fatigue and weakness
- Frequent Urination, especially at Night
- Difficulty controlling blood sugar or blood pressure
Regular screening is vital, more so for diabetics and people with hypertension.
How to Protect Your Kidneys from Diabetes and High Blood Pressure
Control Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining your blood glucose levels within the target range is the most effective method of preventing diabetic kidney disease.
Tips for Americans with Diabetes:
- Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly
- Follow a low-glycemic diet
- Restrict sweetened drinks and refined carbohydrates
- Take medications or insulin as advised
Even a small improvement may have a considerable effect on damage to the kidneys.
Keeping Blood Pressure Under Control
For the kidneys, a blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg is the recommendation of physicians in America to high-risk patients.
Natural Ways to Lower Your Blood Pressure:
- Reduce sodium intake (< 2,300 mg/day)
- Increase potassium-containing foods in diet (depending on kidney function)
- Manage Stress and Sleep Better
- Stay physically active
If lifestyle changes don’t work, blood pressure drugs can be a solution.
Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet
A well-balanced diet will reduce the strain on your kidneys and also have a positive effect on managing levels of both sugar and hypertension.
Best Foods to Protect Your Kidneys:
- Fresh vegetables: bell peppers, cabbage, cauliflower
- Low-sugar fruits – e.g.,
- Lean proteins (fish, eggs, etc.)
- Whole grains in Moderation
- Sources of healthy fat: olive oil, nuts,
Food to limit:
- Processed foods
- Excess Salt and Snack Packs
- Sugary drinks
- Red Meat: Excessive Consumption
There are a number of Americans who have benefited from the DASH or the Mediterranean diets, as they are both known to aid the kidneys and the heart.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking adequate water helps the kidneys remove toxins; conversely, overhydration in such people who have kidney conditions is detrimental.
General guideline
The general goal for an adult is to have 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, unless directed differently by a healthcare provider.
Exercise Regularly
Some of the advantages of physical activity include improving insulin sensibility, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing the kidney’s well-being.
Recommended for U.S. Adults:
- 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week
- Walking, swimming, yoga, or cycling
- Light strength training 2-3 times a week
Even a 30-minute walk every day can make a difference.
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking harms blood vessels and increases the progression rate of kidney disease. Excessive drinking increases levels of blood pressure and sugar.
For Kidney Protection:
- Quit smoking altogether
- Limit alcoholic beverages – 1 per day for women, 2 per day for men (or avoid altogether)
Get regular kidney screenings
For example, if you suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure, annual kidney tests may be required.
Common kidney tests in the US:
- Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine
- Blood Creatinine & eGFR
- Blood pressure monitoring
Early detection of the condition would help prevent permanent loss of kidney function.
Can Kidney Damage be Reversed?
In the early stages, damage to the kidneys due to diabetic issues and hypertension may be arrested or stabilized. It may not be possible to reverse advanced damage to the kidneys, but you may be able to delay dialysis or the total loss of the organ.
Lifestyle modifications, effective medications, and monitoring are essential.
Final Thoughts: Take Action Before It’s Too Late
There is good news: Diabetes and high blood pressure do not always have to mean life-threatening kidney failure. Millions of Americans live a healthy lifestyle by adopting easy and early preventive measures to keep their kidneys healthy.
By managing high blood sugar, high blood pressure, eating smart, staying active, and having regular checkups with their doctors, people may be able to keep their kidneys healthy for their entire lives.
Your kidneys work hard for you, and it is time for the favor to be returned.