A major health concern for people with diabetes is kidney disease. Diabetes affects the kidneys in many ways. For one thing, the tiny blood vessels of the kidneys are damaged by diabetes. This damage prevents the kidneys from working 100% effectively; they can’t screen the bloodstream for wastes as well due to the damage. Patients may suffer weight gain and swollen ankles due to water retention and excess salt. They may also accumulate toxins in the bloodstream and develop an increased risk of bladder infections. Worst of all, though, is that 30% of people with Type 1 diabetes will ultimately suffer from kidney failure. Of people with Type 2 diabetes, the number can range from 10% to 40%.ⁱ

Until now, the standard screening test for diagnosing diabetic kidney disease has been to check the level of albumin in the urine. Now, however, a new indicator may be setting the bar higher for improved diagnosis. A new study suggests that earlier diagnosis for diabetic kidney disease may be possible through the analysis of the blood’s uric acid levels.ⁱⁱ Elevated levels of uric acid may be an indicator of kidney disease.

The study, led by Dr. Elizabeth T. Rosolowsky at the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, found that the kidney function for people with Type 1 diabetes was directly related to the level of uric acid in the bloodstream. As the level of uric acid increased, the level of kidney function decreased. Scientists on the study further speculated that reducing the concentration of uric acid in the bloodstream may have the effect of warding off potential kidney damage. Such results could be achieved through the use of medications or altering the diet to include less protein. Further studies are being pursued to determine whether reducing levels of uric acid does indeed have a positive effect on kidney function.

In the meantime, there are many things that people with diabetes can do to keep their kidneys as healthy as possible. The most important is to control the diabetes so that further damage is not caused. Controlling blood pressure is also important, as is keeping the urinary system in top shape. For further information about kidney damage and diabetes, speak with your health care provider.

---

ⁱ http://www.kidney.org/atoz/atozItem.cfm?id=37

ⁱⁱ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/04/AR2008040403153.html

Another way to protect your kidney function is to monitor your ketone levels. Ketones are produced when the body burns fat because there isn’t enough glucose available to fuel the body. Too many ketones in the bloodstream can damage the kidneys and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis: a condition in which the blood pH is thrown out of balance, sometimes fatally. You may have heard of ketones when low-carbohydrate diets were at the height of popularity. Some adherents to low-carb diets like the Atkins diet became ill and may have even died due to excess ketones in the body.

It is important for people with diabetes, especially Type 1 diabetes, to test their ketone levels regularly. American Diabetes Wholesale offers several ketone testing supplies to help you do this.

If you have diabetes or are considering adopting a low-carb diet, speak to your doctor about ketones and how they can affect your health. Make an informed decision, and always monitor your blood ketone levels.

Baked Chicken Breasts Supreme

Serves: 8

Nutrition Information Per Serving (1/8 recipe):
271 calories, 293 mg sodium, 76 mg cholesterol, 22 gm carbohydrate, 32 gm protein, 5 gm fat.

Food Exchange: 3 1/2 lean meat; 1 starch; 1/4 skim milk.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon Hungarian sweet paprika
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
• 2 cups fine dry bread crumbs

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, combine first eight ingredients. Place chicken in mixture and turn to coat. cover and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Remove chicken from marinade; coat each piece with crumbs.
3. Arrange on a lightly greased shallow baking pan.
4. Bake, uncovered, at 350*F (175*C) for 45 minutes or until juices run clear.

Visit www.CooksRecipes.com for many more delicious diabetic recipes.
A Taste of Home Magazine; Recipe by Marjorie Scott of Sardis, British Columbia.