HEALTHY REASONING: Controlling Your Diabetes And Blood Pressure Will Take Care Of Your Kidneys

By Allan Bucka Jones
Pride Health Columnist

Too many of us in the Black community are on dialysis, or have chronic kidney disease, and in a pre-dialysis state. Dialysis is the process of removing waste products and excess fluid from the body. It is necessary when the kidneys are not able to adequately filter the blood. Dialysis allows patients with kidney failure a chance to live productive lives.

There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients usually have input and able to help choose the type of long term dialysis that best matches their needs. Dialysis replaces some of the functions of a normal operating kidney, so when your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis to stay alive. The two main contributors to damaged kidneys are high blood pressure and diabetes.

It is simple. If you control your diabetes, at acceptable blood sugar levels, and keep your blood pressure at the levels determined by the doctor, you are on your way to maintaining healthy kidneys.

Most of us have two kidneys, although it is possible to have good kidney function with just one. The kidneys are the body’s key filtering system. They remove toxins from the body by separating waste products and water from the blood. Unfortunately, due to many situations, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, genetic predisposition and lifestyle, the kidneys can be damaged and their function becomes compromised or they cease functioning completely.

The Black community has a high rate of diabetes and high blood pressure. Both illnesses are at epidemic levels and increasing. Combined, diabetes and high blood pressure account for two-third or 66% of the problems encountered by the kidneys. So many of us end up with chronic kidney disease, and some will move on to end-stage renal disease and in need of dialysis.

The kidneys are very forgiving organs. You can lose significant functioning and still feel good. So if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to have a kidney function test every year when you do your annual examinations, because you may be moving to a situation of complete loss of kidney function and do not know. The good news is that not everyone with chronic kidney disease will progress to a complete loss of kidney function or end-stage renal disease.

There are approaches that will improve your ability to keep the kidneys functioning, and allow you to maintain a good quality of life:

• First of all, have an understanding of the situation you are in and manage the process. Be proactive in seeking information and cultivate a good rapport with your kidney specialist or family doctor, and other members of your healthcare team.
• Good blood pressure control is key for good kidney health. Know the blood pressure target levels set by your doctor, and take your medications at the times suggested by your physician. If you are not taking the medications tell your doctor.
• If you are taking pain killers, stay away from ibuprofen. This drug belongs to the family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are documented to have adverse effects on the kidney.
• Cut down or eliminate salt from your diet.
• Purchase a small note-book and keep a record of your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This is very important.
• Maintain good blood sugar levels if you are diabetic or have pre-diabetes. Diabetes can lead to significant kidney problems, and also predispose you to high blood pressure. Take your medications and/or insulin at the prescribed times.
• A well balanced diet is important for good kidney health. Ask your doctor to recommend you to a dietician who is familiar with the foods you eat. The dietician needs to take into account the African and West Indian/Caribbean diet.
• Get some physical activity, at least 30 minutes, five days per week. You do not have to go to a gym. Walking helps. Exercise also helps with weight control, which is a key element in maintaining good kidney health.
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking.
• If you are anemic, try to maintain normal blood count. Ask your doctor how.
• Drinking alcohol is bad for kidney health. Stop drinking alcohol or reduce the intake to only two drinks per day.

The African Caribbean Kidney Association (ACKA), focuses on kidney disease prevention in Black individuals, and helps those who have acquired kidney disease, to live a better quality of life through a holistic approach to health. ACKA can be reached at 1-800-387-4474 ext. 4978. Call them.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada has for many years been the main agency to promote good kidney health, and support Canadians with kidney disease. You can reach the Ontario Branch in Mississauga at 905.278.3003 or www.kidney.ca/ontario.

It is simple…control your diabetes…control your blood pressure, and you will be taking care of your kidneys…Take control of your health…it is up to you !!!

Allan Bucka Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. He can be heard on “Allan Bucka Jones LIVE”, Sundays from 3 to 5pm on CHRY 105.5 FM, CHRY RADIO App, www.chry.fm option RDO.to, Rogers Digital Cable 945, Bell Fibe 973 or mobile app TuneIn Radio. You can contact Allan Bucka Jones at allan@jonesandjones.ca.