Nephrologist advice regarding diet

[nc7560]

I saw my nephrologist today and we talked about the difficulties of eating with both diabetes and ckd. He feels that with my ckd being "mild" GFR 41, Creatinine 1.2) and all my other numbers in range it is more important for me to follow a diabetic diet for now and get my A1C down (currently 7.3). Anyone have any thoughts about this? To be honest, it makes me a little nervous.

[Hidden]

It's not difficult if you know where to look. I'm diabetic, and my last A1c was 5.7. For the last year, I'm not on any medication for T2D and for the last year I've known I had Stage 3 CKD. I used the DaVita website at davita.com to find their recipes. Each recipe lists if it is good for dialysis patients, non-dialysis patients, and patients who are diabetic. Each recipe is made to be adjusted as your specific needs dictate. I don't use any sugar so when and where possible I use a small amount of Stevia. Hope this helps.

[nc7560 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your response, Mr. Kidney. Do you follow a diabetic diet, a renal diet, or both. May I ask if you were on any medication and, if so, what do you think helped the most to improve your A1c?

[Hidden in reply to nc7560]

Hi,

I have been T2D for 18 years. At the worst, I was on 3 different medications. In the last 2 years, I've lost 130 lbs. and a year ago I found out I had Stage 3 CKD. My diabetes was under control and I was taken off all medications and told to continue to control it with diet and exercise. However, once I found out I had CKD I also learned that the diet I was on for T2D was counter-productive for someone with CKD. I had to switch to a kidney-friendly meal plan. I did. As of this morning, I've lost a total of 150 lbs with the additional 20 lb loss since being on a kidney-friendly meal plan that is also T2D friendly. I also increased my exercise program to keep me healthy and active.

It's not easy and I had to give up eating out and many foods that initially helped me lose weight because it wasn't beneficial to my kidneys. I don't trust restaurants to prepare food for my needs. I use the recipes found on the DaVita website because they give me the best information for meals that are both kidney-friendly and good for diabetics.

Lots of adjustments and even then I still make adjustments to watch the mineral intake so that I avoid high blood labs. I monitor all drugs I take and make sure the Care Team is mindful of all my health concerns when it comes to treatment.

It works for me and that's all I can guarantee. I hope you work your best to control your issues but remember...take nothing at face value and make changes to keep yourself healthy and in good spirits.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hello, I am stage four, diabetic and also have other dietary issues. It is tricky but totally doable. If you keep you blood sugar at a low good rate you will be helping the kidneys at the same time. But look out for hidden potassium in vegetables and fruits. It may seem limiting. I think the biggest suggestion I could make is to get on some form of tracker to see what you are eating. It is important to pay attention to not only calories and sugar but protein and sodium for the kidneys. I use fitness pal. I put everything I eat in my journal daily and it lets me know calories and all the other components I need to track. It becomes sort of a game for me because I can plan my day around my foods and exercise and usually I am surprised how much food I can actually enjoy. It may seem like a bother, but it beats dialysis.

[Hidden]

After 15 years on dialysis and 2 transplants, I say that one of the most important things you can do is eat properly. I have never faced diabetes but I had major problems with my diet when on hemodialysis and PD, with bad consequences because I didn't follow my diet.

GFR of 41 is not worrisome if you eat foods that don't put sodium or much potassium and phosphorus through your kidneys. Drink plenty of water, like 64 ounces a day. If they have put you any medication for your kidneys take it as prescribed. Do you they even try medication for a GFR of that amount? I don't remember ever having that amount.

Follow the advice of your doctors/dietitians about your diabetic diet, you have to make up your mind that you want to be and remain healthy because what we put in bodies is up to us.