Diabetics at risk for kidney disease should consider eating more fish, according to a new study.
The study, which appears in Novembers American Journal of Kidney Diseases, surveyed approximately 22,000 middle aged British people, 517 of whom were diabetic.
Researchers determined that participants eating fish less than once a week were four times more likely to have protein in their urine, or macroalbuminuria. Dr. Amanda Adler, one of the studys authors, notes that this “is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease,” something that can be particularly problematic for diabetics over time.
Along with eating more fish, the National Kidney Foundation suggests that diabetics should keep tight control of their glucose levels and blood pressure, avoid smoking and follow a diabetic-friendly diet.
“Diet is a relatively simple lifestyle change to make and the benefits could be significant,” said Dr. Kerry Willis of the National Kidney Foundation.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 44 percent of new kidney failure cases in 2005 were related to diabetes, which is the leading cause of this condition. That same year, a total of 46,739 diabetics began treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). 