Diet and the development of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients

This study evaluated the influence of food and alcohol consumption on the development and progression of chronic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Diabetes can cause serious complications, including eye and nerve damage, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and kidney failure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the progressive loss of the kidney's ability to filter the blood. CKD in T2DM patients is common, and develops slowly over a period of months to years. While proper diet is known to be crucial in controlling blood sugar levels in T2DM, the role of specific consumption habits in the development and progression of CKD is still unknown. 

This study analyzed medical data from the records of 6213 T2DM patients at an increased risk for developing CKD who were participating in a separate trial. Patients received questionnaires regarding their eating habits throughout the original trial. Over an average of 5.5 years, 1971 (31.7%) of the patients developed CKD and 33 (0.5%) of the patients developed end-stage renal disease.

Patients who consumed more than 3 fruits per week showed a significantly lower risk of developing CKD compared to patients consuming fruits less frequently. Patients consuming low amounts of animal protein showed an increased risk of developing CKD compared to patients who consume high amounts of animal protein. Sodium intake was not associated with the development of CKD in this analysis, despite results from previous studies which indicate otherwise. Moderate alcohol intake also significantly reduced the risk of developing CKD, and was shown to reduce mortality once CKD had developed. Overall, a healthy diet containing a high amount of fruits and vegetables was shown to reduce the risk of CKD progression in patients already suffering from kidney damage.

This study concluded that a healthy diet and a restricted consumption of alcohol significantly reduces the risk of CKD in patients with type 2 diabetes.

This analysis was performed based on data obtained from a separate trial. Only patients at high risk for developing CKD (due to high blood pressure or a blood vessel disease) were included in the original trial. However, it is reasonable to assume that results are also relevant to patients not at an increased risk for CKD. In addition, results were based on patient reports. These factors may have created a significant bias in the reported results.

Consult with your physician regarding the optimal diet and lifestyle to reduce the risk of diabetic complications such as CKD.