Fish good for kidneys in diabetics

Eating fish may reduce the occurrence of kidney disease in diabetics. Studies in the past have shown that fish and fish oil consumption is beneficial in managing diabetes. To examine whether or not fish helps preventing kidney disease in individuals with or without diabetes, researchers from Britain studied 22,384 men and women out of which 517 were diabetic. The researchers used food frequency questionnaires to know the consumption of fish by the participants. It was found that among the 517 diabetics, the presence of gross albumin (protein) in the urine (macroalbuminuria), an indication of advanced kidney disease, was 8.3 percent compared to 0.6% in non-diabetics. Microalbuminuria (presence of small amounts of albumin in urine - an indicator of early kidney damage) was 23% in diabetics, compared to 11% in non-diabetics. According to food questionnaire responses, 18 percent of diabetics who ate fish less than once a week had macroalbuminuria, versus 4 percent of those who included fish in their diet more than twice a week. After adjusting the data for clinical, social, demographic, lifestyle, and dietary factors, regular fish consumption remained a significant predictor of freedom from macroalbuminuria among diabetics.The above findings could be attributed to the fact that fish has a unique nutrient composition that might prevent kidney damage by enhancing blood sugar control or improving lipid profiles.Further studies are expected to resolve the types of fish, modes of preparation, and dietary frequency to best protect the kidneys of patients with diabetes.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Advertisement