Kidney Disease and T2

[SueL4]

I/m starting a new thread and am re-posting here. I hope others with kidney disease will respond.
Yesterday I received the results of my 24 hour urine test. The nephrologist told me (over the phone) I had stage 2, bordering on stage 3, chronic kidney disease and my that kidneys were functioning at 52%, with protein in the urine. I had no idea. This past year, I miserably let my sugar get way out of control. I can't imagine that this damage was done in one year but the medications (including a diuretic for HBP) I take couldn't have helped. I've been online all day, including on the DaVita link mentioned here. Five weeks ago, I went high protein/low carb and in 5 weeks my A1C went from 10.1 to 8.4. I was thrilled, as was my internist because imagine how great the results will be in 12 weeks?! But hearing the news about my kidneys now, I'm going to eat low carb/low protein. Also, the avocado that was so helpful in weight loss and feeling full, is not recommended on the kidney diet. Like most of you who posted, I'm more afraid of my kidneys failing than I am of other complications of diabetes. It's all new to me but I'm trying to learn as much as I can so I can eat correctly for both. If anyone has any ideas about what foods to avoid, I'd really appreciate it. I'm also wondering if you have any thoughts about drinking less, or more, water than the usual 64 oz.? Thanks for the encouraging post BriOn. My good news - I lost almost 20 pounds in the 5 weeks. A lot more to go but what a great start.

[Diana_CT]

I'm stage 4 and I just had an ultrasound last Wednesday. I meet with my nephrologist early next month to go over my test results.

[TeddySue]

My heart went out to you when I read this. It's a possibility for all of us and we all need to face what could happen. You've certainly brought me up short in my thinking. Thank you for posting this.
Your weight loss is fabulous and I do believe it helps everything in the long run. Yes, I believe the more water you drink the better all the way around. Glad to know about the avocado; didn't like them in the first place.
What diuretic are you on? Do you have swelling in your feet and legs? Does walking help the swelling?
I never could do the "high" part of LC/HF. Is it supposed to help kidneys not to go too high fat?
I'm sending prayers your way. Keep us informed.
TS

[TeddySue]

I'm stage 4 and I just had an ultrasound last Wednesday. I meet with my nephrologist early next month to go over my test results.

What dietary changes did you make with your DX?

[SueL4]

Thanks, Teddy Sue. I take 12.5 of Hydrochlorothiazide as a blood pressure medication. My ankles and fingers are a little swollen when I wake up but that goes away during the day. Diana, do you aim for a certain amount of water each day?

[jbmacomber]

Good idea for thread. I hope you and others with this get the help and knowledge to prevent the disease from progressing. Those of us who don;t have it can learn more as well.

[SueL4]

Yes, please work with your doctor to monitor your kidney function. I just really had no idea how badly things could get so quickly. A simple 24 hour urine test gives so much information.

[TeddySue]

Yes, please work with your doctor to monitor your kidney function. I just really had no idea how badly things could get so quickly. A simple 24 hour urine test gives so much information.

Just had a full blood work-up and everything was wonderful except this: Creatinine 1.5 and the range states .60-1.30 She has this circled but didn't seem concerned. Would you be concerned?
TS

[SueL4]

Four years ago, I had unexplained renal failure. My creatinine was almost 3.0. For the past 3 years it's been around 1.0, which my doctor has told me is good for my age (58). I'm not sure at what number you start to worry though. My husband has had 1.4 for years. I've tried to drink a lot of water, which I was told helps to keep it lower. I also don't add salt to anything and now I'm going to limit my protein. I had 5 weeks of increased protein that really lowered my blood sugar but now I want to be more protective of my kidneys.

[princesslinda]

At this point, I really think you should consult with a dietician who has experience in dealing with renal-impaired patients. I'd sure hate for any of us to give you dietary ideas that, while well-meaning, might do something to advance your renal impairment. My brother in law has been on dialysis for nearly a year now, and the renal diet he had to go on was quite different than any low carb or high fat diet i've ever seen mentioned on the forums. He even has fluid restrictions. With him, his physician is more concerned about the phosphorus and the sodium than she was carbs. If your not currently on insulin, it may be of benefit, as you have to consider what's best for your renal function, regardless of amount of carbs.

Renal compromise is something most diabetics worry about. Please follow your nephrologist's recommendations as far as diet goes, they deal with this issue daily. Wishing you both the best, hopefully your renal function will stabilize.

[Seagal]

When my test showed low gfr (lower than 60-not recommended)I went to the DaVita site and through reading and studying there and other sites, determined to try to cut down/eliminate the phosphorous and potassium. It will be a while before I have another test, but I'm following what I can from the DaVita site as far as what to eliminate.

Google "foods with high phosphorous or potassium" to get an idea.

I've never had a 24 hrs. test, but also have not been "spilling protein".....at least not yet.

[SueL4]

The Davita sight is very informative. I agree, Linda, a renal dietician is probably my next step. Unfortunately, most nephrologists are woefully ignorant about nutrition (well, that really goes for most doctors in general who don't receive much training in that area). My father was on dialysis before he died and of course, the dialysis diet is much different, but I do need guidance from someone who is educated about it. I've never met a diabetes educator who gave me good advice about nutrition. I've seen 4. In fact, the last once I saw before I gave up on them told me that watermelon and pineapple were fine for me. I knew better and didn't follow her advice but I think that field is more geared toward teaching people about testing than controlling sugar through nutrition. I hope it isn't the same with renal dieticians. I also have an appointment with a new endocrinologist next month and will discuss my options in terms of better control of my sugar without raising my carbs. I think my 3 month A1C will tell if I can lower my sugar by limiting my carbs without damaging my kidneys further. Insulin is a step I'm hoping to avoid if I can. So much to juggle.

[Hooterville]

I, too, think you need to discuss things like how much water to drink with your nephrologist.

Good luck to you. It's a lot to juggle.

[TeddySue]

Four years ago, I had unexplained renal failure. My creatinine was almost 3.0. For the past 3 years it's been around 1.0, which my doctor has told me is good for my age (58). I'm not sure at what number you start to worry though. My husband has had 1.4 for years. I've tried to drink a lot of water, which I was told helps to keep it lower. I also don't add salt to anything and now I'm going to limit my protein. I had 5 weeks of increased protein that really lowered my blood sugar but now I want to be more protective of my kidneys.

Thank you so much for the response. Since being a part of this thread I have upped my water and sworn off added salt; no more bacon and pepperoni! I am concerned with my 1.5 now. My new BP med is Losartan and it has potassium in it and was wondering if that is a problem. My tests show low potassium... I'm with you, I am adding my kidneys to the list. Thanks for the info.
Later.
TS

[SueL4]

It's one more thing to keep on your radar. I so much appreciate everyone's opinions on different threads. What a caring group.