They deserve their own day, kidneys are amazing! One of the jobs they do is to sieve out things your body doesn’t need anymore – like excess fluid, salt and urea (leftover from your body using protein). However damage to our kidneys can happen and there is a higher chance of this in diabetes because of raised blood sugar levels. Raised blood pressure has a big impact too. The little blood vessels in kidneys can be damaged making them too leaky to work as well as previously. How well your kidneys work (renal function) can be tested through urine or blood tests.
The good news is you can reduce your chance of developing kidney disease by keeping your blood sugar levels and blood pressure under control. I know, easier said than done! But that is where healthcare professionals like your GP or practice nurse come in. And if you need help with your diet then the Diabetes Specialist Dietitians can support you with a referral from your GP or other healthcare professional. Let us help you look after you!
Here is a quick guide for keeping your kidneys healthy and happy:
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/kidneys_nephropathy#kidneycare