How Diabetes Affects the Kidneys and How You Eat

Damage to blood vessels. Even with the use of injected insulin, people who have had diabetes for some time often suffer from damage to the small blood vessels of the body. This may cause damage to the retina of the eye and result in loss of vision. Also, the delicate blood vessels in the filters of the kidney may be damaged. At the early stage, this damage is shown by finding protein in the urine.

Sometimes at a later stage, so much protein is lost from the blood that water from the blood moves into the body tissues and causes swelling (edema). After a number of years, the kidneys' filters can become so damaged by diabetes that the kidneys fail.

Damage to nerves. Diabetes can also damage the nerves in many parts of the body. When the bladder is affected, it may be difficult to pass urine. The pressure from urine building up in the bladder can damage the kidneys.

Infections. The urine of people with diabetes has a high sugar content. This encourages the growth of bacteria and kidney infections may occur. People with diabetes must take special care to avoid infections and have them treated immediately.

How Much Can You Eat?

Check the serving sizes on nutrition labels -- they may be smaller than you think. Eat only the amount of food in your diabetes meal plan. Extra calories lead to extra fat and pounds.

Don't skip meals, though. Eat them, as well as snacks, at regular times every day.

What Is the TLC(Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) Diet for Diabetes

• Limit fat to 25%-35% of your total daily calories.
• Get no more than 7% of your daily calories from saturated fat, 10% or less from polyunsaturated fats, and up to 20% from monounsaturated fats (like plant oils or nuts).
• Keep carbs to 50%-60% of your daily calories.
• Aim for 20-30 grams of fiber each day.
• Allow 15% to 20% of your daily calories for protein.
• Cap cholesterol at less than 200 milligrams per day.