Diets for Protein Leak from Kidneys with Diabetes

Diabetes is the major cause of protein leak in urine because long term high sugar levels in the blood can impair the renal filtrating system and cause the leaking of abnormal proteins in urine (proteinuria).

Following proper diets can help control diabetes, protect residual kidney functions and reduce protein leak in urine. The following are some good diet guidances for diabetes patients with high protein in urine.

Proteins

Protein leak from the kidneys means that renal functions have been impaired by diabetes, therefore early and proper measurements should be sought. It has been found that once there is clinical proteinuria (24h urine protein is more than 0.5g) for diabetes patients, there will be progressive and irreversible decline of renal functions. High-protein foods should be limited to reduce the production of nitrogenous wastes and reduce burdens to the already impaired kidneys.

Salts

Salt restriction is for the sake of controlling high blood pressure. Proteinuria is often accompanied by high blood pressure which is a major risk factors for diabetic nephropathy patients. High blood pressure can significantly speed up the illness progression of diabetes and kidney damages. It has been found that early and effective treatment of high blood pressure can help reduce protein leak from the kidneys and slow down the decline rate of kidney functions.

Carbohydrates

Candy, sweets, carbohydrates that can be quickly converted into glucose will have great impact on the patient’s blood glucose levels, therefore it is very necessary that diabetes patients should restrict their daily carbohydrates intake to help control their blood sugar level through diets.

Besides high blood glucose levels, protein in urine are often accompanied by high blood cholesterol levels and electrolyte imbalances, therefore it is necessary to have regular checks of blood sugar level, protein in urine as well as electrolyte levels in the blood such as potassium, phosphorus and calcium, etc. If there is any problem, early and proper modification of daily diets can help ease the symptoms.

Of cause, diet is just one aspect for patients with diabetes and proteinuria. To get rid of protein in urine, more effective treatment that can help control diabetes, repair damaged renal filtration system and improve renal functions should be sought.