CKF and diabetes

[mickeyba]

CKF and diabetes. Recently diagnosed with GFR at 60 technically stage two but nearly stage III. Will better control of diabetes raise my GFR? Started Olympic three months ago but have not had an A1 C as yet prior to that A-1 C was around 73 any thoughts

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

HI Mickey, Yes controlling your glucose levels will help to stabilize your kidneys. Did you mean a A1c of 7.3, not 73.

I highly recommend you see a dietician who can help you understand how food impacts not only glucose but the kidneys. People think if they stop eating sugary things their diabetes will resolve. It will help, but fat and carbs play just as big part on the readings. At stage 2, you are in a good place to learn about the things you can do to slow any decline of the kidneys. You did not say how old you are, but age also plays into the GFR number.

Come back with any questions you may have.

[Hidden]

Since you are new to the world of CKD, you might want to begin your education by going to davita.com and registering for a free, virtual, 90-minute Kidney Smart class. There is a lot of information and resources provided. Becoming proactive is vital to your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I have had T2D for over 20 years and when I began my A1c was 7.4. Lots of work to get it down. Four years ago (June of '17) I was taken off all diabetes medication. I had lost 146 pounds and my A1c was down to 5.3. My last A1c in early February showed my A1c to be 4.7. It was the cause of my CKD according to my, at the time, nephrologist. That doctor has since gone back to a teaching hospital working with new nephrologists. I'm still with the same group and the new nephrologist is always working with me and my other physicians on my Care Team to keep me healthier and off dialysis for as long as possible. At acknowledgement of my CKD, my GFR was 32. Finding a Renal Dietitian and developing a kidney-friendly meal plan is the beginning of slowing the progression and avoiding Stage 5 and dialysis. If you don't have a nephrologist, my recommendation is to find one as soon as possible. Then obtain a referral to meet with an RD and bring with you as many hard copies of your lab results and work out a plan to eat better and allow your kidneys to function better. Since my diagnosis my GFR has averaged 52.

There is no one-size fits all meal plan. It should be specific to your situation. Along with a sound meal plan, ask your physicians to help you develop an age appropriate exercise regimen and be sure it is something you can do all year long, in all types of weather.

Stay well hydrated with water and avoid processed foods, smoking, cured foods and all red meats. For minor aches and pains avoid any NSAIDs, and use Tylenol.

You will find a lot of support and advice here in the community. Come back as often as you need, we're always open.

[Darlenia]

Hi! I'm caregiver to my husband, a Diabetic Type 2, who is now on dialysis. Yes, to your question as to whether or not better control of diabetes will benefit you and your kidney disease. The vast majority of those diagnosed with Kidney Disease are diabetics. Unfortunately, diabetes destroys the small blood vessels inside your kidneys. In turn, that erosive force can also create heart disease, drive up blood pressure, and more. Indeed, diabetes is a systemic disease, affecting kidneys, limbs, eyesight, and more. If one can eliminate excess weight, then the destructive action generally stops for the Type 2s. As you undoubtedly know, diabetes is largely fueled by sugar and carbs (which convert to sugar) so those are things you'll definitely want to keep in check. Recommend finding a good dietitian who can reconcile the diabetic and kidney diets in a way to benefit you. (Limiting processed foods is always recommended for everyone.) The good thing is that you've caught your situation at a good stage where you can prevent further damage. And that's wonderful. Unfortunately, diabetes is so common that people brush aside the health conditions it produces. At my husband's dialysis center, for example, most everyone, if not all, are diabetics. Like those there, my husband took his pills and insulin and assumed all was well until everything took an abrupt turn and he wound up on dialysis. On the other hand, his mother, when told she was diabetic, immediately dropped her weight, eliminated her medications, and lived well into her 80s. So, two different people, two different choices, two different outcomes. It wasn't until my husband's nephrologist told him that he only had 7 years to live, that my husband changed his diet. Unfortunately the message came a little too late. But you have sufficient time to turn your situation around. So, here I am - sending you encouragement. You can do this!

[mickeyba in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you darlenia. My gfr is 60 diagnosed with proteinuria. Macaroni and mashed potatoes historically a weakness of mine now will be avoiding them for sure. Eating right class won’t begin for six weeks A bowl of oatmeal and eight raisins and a cup of coffee raise my blood sugar from 79 to 245 I wonder if my meter might be broken

[Jayhawker in reply to mickeyba]

I’m a type II fiagetic.boat meal also elevated my glucose within two hours of eating. I niw add liquid egg whites to the oatmeal before cooking it. Tgat increases the protein level. With increased protein level, my glucose is within range two hours after eating. Here’s my recipe:

1/4C McCann’s Steel Cut Oatmeal (microwave)

1/2C water

1/4C no sugar added cinnamon applesauce

1/4C liquid egg whites

1. Stir all together in a large mictowavee egg safe bowl.

2. Cook on high power fur 2 minutes.

3. Stir.

4. Cook on high 2 minutes.

5. Stir.

Cook on high 1-2 minutes. (Until the oatmeal is the consistency you like.)

I eat thus every morning fir breakfast. No i pop tin Ii r et ms with my A1C. Totally gonttt try ol led with no beds.

If this gets your glucose closer but it’s still a little too high, you could possibly pull your glucose back in check if you go for a walk, even for just 10-15 minutes at a modest pace about an hour after you eat. I have a recumbent elliptical machine that I hop on about an hour after I eat. I just fo a very light workout for 12 minutes after my higher carb heals daily. That keeps my glucose in crack without medication. I do an additional 30-minute workout later in the day. You could spread your daily walk into 3-4 shorter walks of 12 minutes each.

Jayhawker

[Darlenia]

So very happy you're looking into diet class. Indeed, a blood sugar reading of 245 is high and problems can begin to occur at that level. Your life is so precious. Sometimes we don't realize how precious until it's about to stealthily slip away. Cheers for reaching out for advice and taking action.