Diabetes and CKD progression

[Hana25]

Hi all, I've had type 1 diabetes since I was 13, and now, 19 years later, I'm suffering from complications. I carry so much regret inside for not taking care of myself, but I don't think I understood just how serious diabetes is.

I have retinopathy that has been lasered once so far, and i sometimes suffer from pins and Needles in my hands and legs, but this seems to have gotten better after b12 injections.

My main worry atm is CKD. I take a high dose ARB, which has lowered my blood pressure to under 120/90.
Before I started the ARB, a standard urine test showed trace protein. Since then, my ACR is below 3, and it has been 2 years. My egfr stays above 90 when I am well hydrated, and I try to keep BG levels at 6 and below most of the time.
I eat a low animal protein diet, cut out all soft drinks and Juices, stick to only water, try for 2 litres a day. I've heard red meat is also hard for kidneys to process so I don't eat it anymore. I'm scared to eat anything, i have no appetite at all.


I am only 32 years old but I am terrified for what my future holds, I know CKD is a progressive disease but I wanted to find out how many people have reached stage 5, and require dialysis. I've heard so many horror stories about dialysis; it's terrifying.

When do doctors become concerned about ACR
levels? Has anybody been through anything similar?

Sorry for the long post, appreciate any help as it's been 3 month of sleepless nights.

 

[Antje77]

Before I started the ARB, a standard urine test showed trace protein. Since then, my ACR is below 3, and it has been 2 years. My egfr stays above 90 when I am well hydrated

Those numbers are right where they should be if I'm correct.
Have you been diagnosed with CKD?

 

[Hana25]

In 2022, I was told I had developed high blood pressure and my egfr was 70, protein was high in urine..but since starting an ARB, my levels are all in range, only once did the egfr drop to 89, otherwise it's always above 90.

My last random spot test showed 8.33 mg/g and my morning urine sample showed 24.7mg/g.
My doc said the damage had been done but the ARB meds (high dose) I am taking have improved renal function.

I try my best to keep BG and BP in range but I'm always worried that as time goes on the protein leak will get worse.

 

[ianf0ster]

@Hana25 Personally I believe that all this scary new about red meat isn't based on actual real evidence.
I know that Dr David Unwin has had over 200 patients (based upon his reported medical studies showing over 100 Type 2 remissions on a 47% success ratio) on a low carb (i.e. a higher Protein) diet. He was concerned about the reputation of meat for causing kidney damage and so tested all of his low carb patients' kidney function over time and found that on low carb their kidney function actually improved or at worst stayed the same when expected to deteriorate (because kidney function generally decreases with age so it was expected to get worse as the patient got older).
However, I must add that his medical studies don't mention if he had any low carb patients with pre-existing kidney malfunction.

Here is an article in www.DietDoctor about Low Carb diets and Kidney function:

What You Need to Know About a Low-Carb Diet and Your Kidneys

Are you concerned about your kidneys on low carb? With healthy kidneys, you have no reason to worry. But if you have kidney disease, you may need medical supervision.

www.dietdoctor.com