You are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease if you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy is a condition where the kidneys become damaged overtime due to uncontrolled diabetes.
When your diabetes is uncontrolled due to practices like unhealthy eating habits, not taking medication as prescribed and not self-monitoring glucose levels, this can have a severe effect on the kidneys over time. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels of the kidneys that filter waste, toxins and excess fluids from the blood leading to kidney damage.
According to the Centre for disease control “Each kidney is made up of millions of tiny filters called nephrons. Over time, high blood sugar from diabetes can damage these blood vessels in the kidneys so they don’t work as well as they should. Many people with diabetes also develop high blood pressure, which can damage kidneys too”.
You are at risk of developing diabetic nephropathy is you have diabetes and your blood glucose is too high and if your blood pressure is too high. You are also at risk if you don’t follow your diabetic eating plan, eat foods high in salt, do not exercise, are overweight, have heart disease and have a family history of kidney disease.
You can help to reduce your risk of diabetic nephropathy by managing your diabetes effectively, including seeing a nutritionist or dietician for advice on healthy eating habits to help you manage your blood sugar and blood pressure.