Young people with diabetes and CKD

Young people with diabetes and CKD

I am a kidney consultant and run a special diabetes and chronic kidney (CKD) clinic. Young people in the age group of 20-50 years form a sizeable proportion of new patients that I now see. And I am very concerned about them.

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Most of them have 2 or more of the following abnormalities, as well as Type 2 diabetes and CKD:

  1. They are overweight or obese
  2. High HbA1c (poor control of diabetes)
  3. High blood pressure
  4. Low vitamin B12 and vitamin D
  5. High blood pressure
  6. Disc prolapse (causing neck or back pain).

I find these common risk factors and unhealthy habits in them:

  1. Sedentary lifestyle and stress
  2. Sitting job of > 10 hours per day
  3. Lack of exercise
  4. Eating out or having takeaways often, and consuming unhealthy foods.
  5. Inadequate sleep (less than 7 hours)
  6. High alcohol consumption and/or smoking (active or passive)

But here are SEVEN things you can do to prevent (or control) diabetes and kidney disease, and stay healthy:

  1. Sleep for 7 hours or more
  2. Exercise for 30 minutes or more 3 times a week. This can be a brisk walk
  3. Combine aerobic exercise and strength training
  4. If your job involves prolonged sitting, take a few minutes’ walk break every 45 minutes
  5. Reduced your carb intake, increase protein intake; and avoid sugar, sweets and soft drinks
  6. Don’t smoke, and reduce your alcohol consumption
  7. Get a preventive full health checkup from your GP (or practice nurse) once a year.

Note. This advice is especially important if you are Black or Asian, as these groups have a significantly higher chance of getting both diabetes and CKD.

Dr Waqar Ayub (Consultant Nephrologist)

 

Last Reviewed on 15 June 2024

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