CKD and maintaining GFR

[Harpen]

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Hi and welcome to the community.I'm going to assume you just found out you have CKD. I see that you have T2D. So do I. Also hypertension.

There is much you can do to slow the progression of CKD. When I was diagnosed in June of 2017, my GFR was 32. Since then I have averaged a 52. It can be done. What is required are lifestyle changes. You have to be committed to making the needed changes and sticking to it.

You didn't say where you live so let me go both ways. If you live in the USA then please go to davita.com and register for a free, virtual, 90-minute Kidney Smart class. You'll get lots of information and resources to get you on the right road. If you live in the USA or anywhere you can go to kidneyschool.org and watch the learning modules and pick up as much information as you need to slow the progression. Remember, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.

If you don't have a nephrologist, find one. Depending on your insurance you may or may not need a referral. Bring your previous labs with you and if you developed any questions from Kidney School or the Kidney Smart class, ask the nephrologist and if possible, ask permission to record the answers so that you can play it back later. Sometimes it can be overwhelming. When you meet with the nephrologist, ask for a referral to meet with a Renal Dietitian. Bring those same copies of your previous labs and together you and the RD can develop a kidney-friendly meal plan that works for you based on your needs and preferences.

You can also go to drugs.com and enter all of your medications under their MY MED LIST feature. You'll find out about any interactions with any of your meds, with food and which medications you take that may have a negative impact on your kidneys.

My T2D was the cause of my CKD. The day I was officially diagnosed with CKD was the day I was told I could stop all medications for T2D. At that time my A1c was 5.6. Since then my A1c's have been in the 5.1 - 5.4 range, until this past one (earlier this month) and it came out at 4.7. In order to improve your GFR over time and maintain a higher average than the current 30, the most important thing you can do in addition to the things I've previously mentioned, will be to get and keep your T2D under control.

Talk to all of your physicians, PCP, nephrologist and any others you have and ask about an exercise regimen that will work for you and not exacerbate any health issues.

Stay hydrated with water, avoid NSAIDs like advil, aleve, and ibuprofen. If you have to take any OTC for minor pain, use Tylenol. Just don't overuse it.

No red meat, no processed food, no smoking and minimize any alcohol.

Look at your previous labs and note your numbers for protein, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and calcium. Those numbers must stay within the reference range. The RD will help you learn how to control those numbers.

You have come to a great community for support and advice.

Best of luck.

[Savreen1]

Welcome to the community. You can join Natural kidney journey group. You can get lots of ideas and support in eating healthy food. Gud luck