An unhealthy food and an inadequate or excessive sleep duration could contribute to the development of a diabetic nephropathy, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation. However, investigators did not find a significant association between diabetic nephropathy and smoking or alcohol consumption.1
Investigators note that an unhealthy food and an inadequate or excessive sleep period could contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. | Image credit: Manassanant – Stock.adobe.com
Diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of terminal renal failure in the United States, according to Statpearls. Early treatment can help delay or prevent the progression of renal failure of the terminal stage. Although the condition can develop in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D), more than 90% of cases are for patients with T2D. Current treatment focuses on reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, glycemic control, blood pressure control and inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system.2
Diabetes can damage the kidneys, which is generally progressing slowly over many years. High blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the kidney, which has an impact on how the kidneys can filter blood, causing an accumulation of waste in the body. Healthy lifestyles can help improve health, according to the National Diabetes Institute and digestive and renal diseases.3
“Many studies have shown that lifestyle, in particular eating habits, physical activity, sleep, smoking and alcohol consumption, is associated with diabetes and its complications. However, previous research on eating habits and DN (diabetic nephropathy) has often focused on specific foods, without complete evaluation, while studies on physical activity and DN used incomparable definitions of form and intensity, “the physical authorities have been published.1
Study investigators aimed to use the healthy food index (HEI), metabolic equivalent (MET), sleeping, smoking and alcohol consumption status to determine the impact of lifestyle factors on kidney dysfunction for diabetic patients. There were 2,389 patients aged 18 to 64 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007 to 2018. Patients were not pregnant and received a diabetes diagnosis, and 50% were men.
Patients who had diabetic nephropathy had a longer duration of diabetes and a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy and cardiovascular disease. They also had higher body mass indices and a worst hemoglobin has1c.1
Patients in the diabetic nephropathy group had lower HEI levels compared to those who did not have the condition, and they had an inadequate duration of sleep (less than 5 hours). There was no statistically significant difference in the MET, smoking status or alcohol consumption status. In addition, investigators indicated that HEI scores between 40% and 60% or less than 40% increased the probability of developing diabetic nephropathy, as is the duration of the sleep of less than 5 hours.1
In a subgroup analysis, there was a stronger association between ETH and diabetic nephropathy in patients under the age of 50 suffering from normal blood pressure, hemoglobin has1c less than 7% and without dyslipidemia. The duration of the sleep had a stronger association for patients aged 50 or over, blood pressure of more than 140/90 mmHg, hemoglobin1cand dyslipidemia.1
“Non -linear analyzes also reveal a positive correlation between unhealthy eating habits and the risk of DN. Good physical activity and sleeping duration can reduce the risk of DN,” concluded study authors. “Our results suggest that in addition to managing metabolic risk factors, it is essential to promote healthy lifestyles in diabetic patients to effectively prevent the appearance and progression of diabetic nephropathy.”
Find out more: Diabetes Resource center
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