6 Diabetes Management Tips for Better Kidney Health

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease in the United States. 30% of people with Type 1 diabetes and 10–40% of those with Type 2 diabetes are likely to end up with kidney failure. It's not all bad news, though. There are many steps people can take to manage their blood sugar and protect their kidneys.

The best way to prevent kidney damage from diabetes is to find it as early as possible. 

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that adults with no risk factors begin diabetes screening at age 35.

Risk Factors for Diabetes include:

• Having overweight or obesity
• Family history of diabetes
• High blood pressure
• History of gestational diabetes (diabetes in pregnancy)

People with risk factors may start screening earlier than age 35. Children who have overweight or obesity and at least one other risk factor can begin screening as early as 10 years old.

By catching diabetes early and managing it, many people can preserve their kidney function. Here's how.

Are you at risk of kidney disease? Take our one-minute quiz to find out. 

Certain medications can help protect your kidneys if you have diabetes.

These medications include:

• ACE Inhibitors & ARBs: Lower blood pressure and reduce protein in urine.
• SGLT2 Inhibitors: Help filter out excess sugar and protect kidneys. 
• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Lower blood sugar and support weight loss. 
• Statins: Lower cholesterol and improve blood flow to the heart and kidneys.

Most insurances (including Medicare) cover all these medications for people with type 2 diabetes. ACEIs, ARBs, and statins are approved for use in type 1 diabetes.

Kidney disease and diabetes medications can be expensive, even with insurance. Help is available. Use NKF's BuzzRX card to save 60% to 80% on most medications.

Learn more about diabetes medications that preserve kidney function.

A proper diet can make a huge difference in diabetes management. Aim for high-fiber foods and lean proteins. Avoid sugary drinks and overly processed foods. Keep an eye on the types of carbohydrates you consume.

• Carbohydrates are nutrients in food and drinks that turn into glucose or sugar during digestion.
• Complex carbohydrates or starches digest slowly, raising blood sugar gradually. 
• Simple carbohydrates or sugars digest quickly, raising blood sugar quickly.

A diabetes or kidney dietitian can help you create a personalized diet plan.

Learn more about carbohydrate counting and meal planning.

Physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels and can reduce stress on the kidneys.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, like brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Adults should also do strength training exercises, like lifting weights, twice a week.

Start slow and gradually increase the intensity to avoid injury.

Learn more about exercise. 

Using fingerstick glucose monitors or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) helps people with diabetes keep track of their blood sugar.

All insurances cover fingerstick glucose monitoring for people with diabetes. Insurance coverage for CGM varies, but improving every year. Without insurance, fingerstick tests can cost around $10 to $50 for strips per month. CGM devices range from $100 to $500 per month. 

Home A1C test kits measure average blood glucose levels over the past three months. This helps people understand their long-term glucose control. Many doctors recommend this test every 3–6 months.

Ask your healthcare provider if A1C test kits are right for you. With insurance, the cost is usually lowest if you get this test done at a doctor's office or lab. If barriers to either exist, a home test kit usually costs between $45 to $100.

Since people with diabetes risk developing kidney disease, it's important to keep an eye on kidney damage. These at-home kits are available to measure albuminuria (protein in the urine). This protein belongs in the blood. High urine levels may indicate kidney stress or early kidney damage.

Ask your healthcare provider if microalbumin test kits are right for you. With insurance, the cost is usually lowest if you get this test done at a doctor's office or lab. If barriers to either exist, a home test kit usually costs between $30 and $100.

Learn more about kidney numbers. 

Speak with a trained professional through NKF Cares. Call toll-free at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273) or email nkfcares@kidney.org to get started. 

*This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.