Kidney disease is a common diabetes complication, often progressing silently for many years. Many people only discover it after significant kidney function decline. Experts suggest that maintaining certain daily habits can reduce the risk of kidney damage and slow disease progression.

Blood Sugar Control

According to Healthline, blood sugar control is the most important measure to protect kidneys in individuals with diabetes. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid.

Adhering to treatment, taking prescribed medication, monitoring blood sugar, and maintaining target HbA1c levels can help reduce the risk of kidney complications.

Maintain Physical Activity and Avoid Smoking

Regular physical activity improves blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight control, all factors closely linked to kidney disease risk. Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Smoking can also damage blood vessels, decrease blood flow to the kidneys, and accelerate kidney disease progression. Therefore, quitting smoking is a critical lifestyle change to protect kidney function.

Regular walking helps stabilize blood sugar. Photo: Bao Bao

Maintain Stable Blood Pressure

High blood pressure increases the risk of kidney disease in individuals with diabetes. When both blood sugar and blood pressure are uncontrolled, kidney blood vessels are more susceptible to damage, accelerating disease progression, according to Verywell Health.

Patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly, take medication as prescribed by their doctor if necessary, and incorporate measures like reducing salt intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly to control blood pressure.

Healthy Eating

Diet plays a crucial role in protecting kidney health. Individuals with diabetes should prioritize green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. They should also limit processed foods, which often contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.

Experts from the Times of India also note that in addition to limiting salt, patients should avoid excessive protein intake and consult a doctor or nutritionist. For those already diagnosed with kidney disease, dietary adjustments may be necessary depending on the extent of kidney damage.

Regular Kidney Function Check-ups

Diabetic kidney disease often presents no symptoms in its early stages. Many people feel healthy even as their kidney function begins to decline, making symptom-based detection insufficient.

Experts recommend that individuals with diabetes undergo regular check-ups and kidney function tests. These tests include urine tests for albumin and blood tests to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Early detection enables doctors to adjust treatment, slow disease progression, and reduce the risk of kidney failure.

Bao Bao (Compiled)