3 minute read
Diabetes and Kidney Disease
Knowledge is power
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by Andrea Norgate, Clinical Transplant Coordinator, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network
The kidney is an amazing organ. It removes waste from our blood through filters, and this waste becomes part of our urine. Protein and red blood cells are too big to pass through a healthy kidney’s filtering system and they stay in the blood where they belong.
Diabetes causes our body’s glucose to fluctuate and at times, when the glucose is high, our kidneys work extra hard to filter our blood. This extra work, over time, can cause damage to the kidneys. Keeping your glucose in a normal range prevents the kidneys from working too hard. It is also one of the biggest challenges that people with diabetes face.
Glucose control can be difficult and frustrating; you are not alone. Here are some key take away points:
It’s not your fault
Glucose control is difficult, and yes, sometimes impossible. Having diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, is a job in itself (with no pay!). There’s always room for improvement and at times, you can feel responsible for your kidney disease. Give yourself a break. All we can do is try. Reach out to peers, get yourself
some support. You’ll find you are not alone and everyone is just trying their best. Recognize that living with diabetes and kidney disease can be difficult but you’re doing it! Pat yourself on the back for being pro-active, you’re doing a great job.
Glucose comes in many forms
Many people are under the impression that candy is our main source of sugar. If only it were that easy! Carbohydrates (eg, bread, pasta, rice, cereal, potatoes) convert into glucose and can increase your blood sugar. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our tissues and organs when converted into glucose. Too much glucose can be harmful to the organs, especially the kidneys. Keeping our carbohydrate intake limited to complex (or low glycemic index) foods will help control glucose in the blood.
Carbohydrates – not all bad
Carbohydrates come in high and low glycemic indexes. You can consult with your dietitian to get a list of low glycemic foods. In short, low glycemic foods are the best choice and help control big fluctuations in glucose. Less cake, cookies and pop, more whole grains, oatmeal and beans. The list of low glycemic foods is endless and the internet can provide fantastic recipes that cater to healthy living.
Celebrate yourself
Having kidney disease and diabetes can be overwhelming. One way to combat this feeling is to get moving. A simple walk outside can do wonders for the spirit. Walk the dog, walk with a friend or walk with a podcast. Walking can decrease fatigue and prevent muscle weakness and wasting. It’s good for the soul and can help keep glucose levels in check. Let’s celebrate ourselves by doing something good for our body!
In short, there are many ways to protect the kidneys. Controlling glucose levels is a great start combined with a normal blood pressure, a healthy weight, a good diet, and daily exercise. Reach out to The Kidney Foundation as their support system is second to none!
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