Healthy Diet Helps Diabetic Patients Avoid Chronic Kidney Disease

Eating a healthy diet and drinking no more than moderate amounts of alcohol may help people with type 2 diabetes avoid chronic kidney disease, according to a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine.

Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease are major public health problems, according to a news release from the JAMA Network Journals. “However, little is known about the long-term effect of diet on the incidence and progression of early-stage diabetic CKD,” the release states.

After following 6,213 patients with type 2 diabetes, researchers from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, found that patients who ate more than three servings of fruit every week had a lower risk of CKD compared to those who ate fruit less frequently.

“A healthy diet and moderate intake of alcohol may decrease the incidence or progression of CKD among individuals with type 2 diabetes,” the researchers wrote. “Sodium intake, within a wide range, and normal protein intake are not associated with CKD.”

In a related commentary, Dr. Holly Kramer of Loyola University Chicago and Dr. Alex Chang of Johns Hopkins University wrote that patients who have type 2 diabetes and kidney disease may be frustrated by numerous dietary restrictions:

“…Perhaps the best dietary advice we can give to patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease is the same advice for those who want to avoid chronic kidney disease, and the same advice for preventing and treating hypertension, and the same dietary advice for everyone: eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains while minimizing saturated and total fat.”

Source: news release The JAMA Network Journals

+ Nutritional therapy is the cornerstone of diabetes management – especially when combined with a supervised physical fitness regimen. Learn how the Registered Dietitians at Bon Secours In Motion Physical Therapy and Sports Performance work with patients to provide personal care and education.

+ Read about Diabetes Counseling for people with type 2 diabetes.