A Food That Helps Prevent Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetes is a disease that affects virtually every organ in the body – including the kidneys. Diabetic kidney disease – also known as diabetic nephropathy – is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States and this condition can lead to death within a few years once it presents. Fortunately, scientists may have found a way to reduce the risk of kidney disease in diabetics naturally – through diet.

Eating Fish to Reduce the Risk of Kidney Disease in Diabetics?

English researchers recently found an association between kidney disease in diabetics and eating fish. In a study involving 22,000 older people, they found that those who ate the most fish were at lower risk of diabetic nephropathy – and the difference was substantial. Those who ate fish once a week or less were four times more likely to develop signs of diabetic nephropathy compared to those who ate fish regularly. It didn’t seem to matter what type of fish the people ate in this study – all types of fish seemed to provide some protection against kidney disease in diabetics.

What are the Symptoms of Diabetic Nephropathy?

The first sign of kidney disease in diabetics is usually protein in the urine – found on a routine urine specimen. In the early stages there are few symptoms of diabetic nephropathy, but damage can still be taking place. This means it’s important for diabetics to have regular check-ups and a urinalysis every six months to check for protein in the urine. Once kidney disease is diagnosed, medications can be used to reduce damage to the kidneys.

If You Don’t Like Fish

Diabetics who don’t like fish may still be able to reduce their risk of diabetic nephropathy by taking fish oil supplements. Some short-term studies have shown that fish oils reduce the risk of kidney disease in diabetics, but longer term research is needed. The omega-3’s founding fish oil help to lower the risk of heart disease which is one of the leading causes of death in people with diabetes. Another advantage to using fish oil capsules is they usually have low or non-detectable levels of mercury and impurities which may not be true of some types of fish. Sardines and wild caught Alaskan salmon are two fish sources that are usually safe.

The Bottom Line

Eating fish and taking fish oil supplements has multiple health benefits and it may reduce the risk of kidney disease in diabetics – which is a good thing. If you’re unable to add more fish to your diet, a fish oil supplement may be a good option – but talk to your doctor first.