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Kidney Problems and Diabetes

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Posted 3/25/2006 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Anyone have any suggestions on maintaining the kidneys in good condition for someone with diabetes. On my last blood work I found out I losing protein and will be having more bloodwork in a couple of months to determine if I'm still losing protein or it has stabilized.


I drink plenty of water and walk 4x/week. I don't run any longer because my left knee is problematic and painful after I run. Hence the walking.



Appreciate any insights. Thanks.

dtwo
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(D2,
I added a subject to your post so others will be able to find it in the posts.)

Post Edited By Moderator (Jeannie143) : 3/25/2006 6:13:25 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 4/13/2006 12:55 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor, who only specializes in diabetes and used to work on the research end of it, has put me on a very low dose of blood pressure medication. Even though I don't have high blood pressure, it has been found that it helps protect the kidneys of diabetics. You might want to ask your doctor about that. I had to go on a very very low dose so my blood pressure won't drop too low but anything to protect the kidneys is okay with me. I had stopped taking it because I felt I was getting too lightheaded but the doctor put me right back on it so he firmly believes this will help the kidneys. Good luck.
Posted 4/13/2006 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor put me on something called Elapril for my kidneys (my primary care physician is a nephrologist) to keep them healthy. Anyway, one side effect of this med is coughing and the dumb cough was keeping me up nights so I d/c it. Last kidney study was good... wish I could help more.
Posted 4/13/2006 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
I take a low dose of Avalide 300 (12.5/day) which is a blood pressure medication but like Marina, I don't have high blood pressure -- I take it for to protect my kidneys. I have long-term type 1 and I've had abnormal protein numbers a few times. They've so far returned to normal on thier own with the subsequent tests, although I'm told any abnormal number means its important to keep an eye on it. I know dtwo, that some people reduce the amount of protein in their diets to protect their kidneys. I have not, but I haven't been advised to yet, either.

Good news: Unlike the ACE inhibitor medication I took before the Avalide, this medication, which is an ARB doesn't make me cough. I know what you mean about the cough, Jeannie. Is Elapril an ACE? It used to wake me up, too. I'm not sure that ARBs have been studied for renal protection as much as the ACE inhibitor medications have, but it lowers bp without that nagging cough as a side effect.
Posted 4/14/2006 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Sunday,
Yes, it's an ACE... Dumb fibrofog kept me from remembering the three letters... Was trying to decide between MOi and UPS (LOL!). Doc told me that there is a new ACE that is supposed to not have the coughing side effect but that it is very expensive. Since I buy my own meds we had to forego that one.

dtwo,
I have also been on hydrochlorothyazide, 25 mg. for about 30 years to retain calcium in my bloodstream and help prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. My nephrologist prescribed it and it has definitely worked. Only two stones in the past three decades vs. four from age 16 to 23. Normally it is taken to lower blood pressure and lower edema (swelling).

My doc also makes me take my blood pressure every day and keep a record for her. I bought a cuff and stethescope on eBay for about $15. Blood pressure is one of the first indicators of kidney problems so maybe you could ask your doc if he/she would like that info and you could start doing that. At least that way you would have some way of monitoring kidney function and be alert to any big changes.
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