The kidneys work silently, filtering more than 150 liters of blood every day, removing toxins, and maintaining the balance of salts and fluids in the body. However, when a person has diabetes, this delicate system comes under tremendous strain. Persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, gradually weakening their function and leading to what is known as diabetic nephropathy.
اضافة اعلان
According to a report published by Everyday Health, diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney failure worldwide. About one-third of people with diabetes develop varying degrees of kidney damage—often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Because kidney damage progresses slowly and quietly, early awareness and careful monitoring are the most effective tools for prevention.
Key Factors for Maintaining Kidney Health in People with Diabetes
First: Controlling Blood Sugar — the Cornerstone of Protection
High blood glucose levels affect not only nerves and eyes but also attack the delicate filtering units within the kidneys.
The longer blood sugar remains elevated, the greater the risk of protein leaking into the urine—an early sign of kidney damage.
Maintaining balanced blood sugar does not depend on medication alone; it requires daily commitment to a regulated diet and regular monitoring through periodic tests.
Doctors emphasize that good glycemic control can delay diabetic kidney disease for years or even prevent it entirely if managed early.
Second: Careful Monitoring of Blood Pressure
The relationship between the kidneys and blood pressure is complex and reciprocal: high blood pressure strains the kidneys, while declining kidney function, in turn, raises blood pressure.
For this reason, people with diabetes are advised to maintain blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg, through appropriate treatment and by minimizing salt intake.
Even small amounts of excess sodium can force the kidneys to work harder and increase fluid retention in the body.
Dietary adjustments and salt monitoring are among the simplest yet most impactful protective measures.
Third: Foods That Support the Kidneys and Reduce Excess Acidity
Medical studies have shown that increasing fruit and vegetable intake reduces body acidity and eases the chemical burden on the kidneys.
Plant-based, alkaline-rich foods—such as bananas, cucumbers, broccoli, and apples—help neutralize acids and maintain blood balance.
In one clinical study, patients who consumed diets rich in fruits and vegetables showed improvements in kidney markers comparable to the effects of bicarbonate therapy. However, consulting a physician before increasing dietary potassium is essential, as some kidney patients may need to limit it depending on their condition.
Fourth: Healthy Fats and Omega-3 — A Natural Shield for the Heart and Kidneys
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as salmon and tuna, as well as in flaxseeds and walnuts, play an important role in reducing inflammation and improving blood circulation within the kidneys.
Recent studies have also shown that patients with higher omega-3 levels in their blood were less likely to experience sudden cardiac death during dialysis.
Including two servings of fatty fish per week or taking omega-3 supplements (after consulting a physician) can make a real difference in protecting both the heart and kidneys.
Fifth: Regular Physical Activity
Moderate exercise such as walking, swimming, and stretching helps reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular efficiency and blood circulation, which directly benefits kidney function.
A comprehensive analysis of more than 40 studies found that regular physical activity improved overall fitness and reduced depression and anxiety among patients with chronic kidney disease.
The key is consistency rather than intensity—even simple daily activities at home, such as cleaning or climbing stairs, can make a difference if done regularly.
Sixth: The Latest Kidney-Protective Medications
Scientific advances in diabetes treatment have introduced two classes of medications that have revolutionized the prevention of kidney complications:
SGLT2 inhibitors, such as Jardiance, which reduce glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and lower internal pressure within them.
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, which improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in kidney tissues.
These medications have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after demonstrating remarkable results in reducing the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular-related deaths.
Seventh: Quit Smoking Immediately
Smoking accelerates damage to small blood vessels and significantly increases the likelihood of faster kidney disease progression.
Nicotine raises blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their ability to eliminate toxins.
Quitting smoking is not only essential for lung health—it is also vital for saving the kidneys.
Eighth: Early Screening Saves Kidneys Silently
One of the most dangerous aspects of diabetic kidney disease is that it is silent in its early stages. Therefore, regular urine tests to detect microalbumin and blood tests to measure creatinine are recommended at least every six months.
Early detection allows physicians to intervene with treatment or dietary modifications before any permanent damage occurs.
