Regular fish intake could cut kidney trouble in diabetic: Research

New York, November 4: Diabetics who feast on fish at least twice a week might cut their risk of kidney disease, a new British research published in the November issue of the journal ‘American Journal of Kidney Diseases’ suggests.

The study, embarked at the Medical Research Council epidemiology unit at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, zeroed in at more than 22,000 middle-aged adults, of whom 517 were diabetics, primarily type 2.

Using questionnaires, the researchers tracked the dietary and lifestyle habits of participants. Subsequently, urine examination report for each participant was analyzed.

Diabetics who ate less than one serving of fish per week reportedly had higher concentration of albuminuria, protein in their urine, (18 percent) than those taking at least two servings of fish per week (4 percent).

Medically, a high concentration of protein in the urine is the earliest sign of kidney disease.

Tracking the exact theory as to how fish helps cut the incidence of the disease, researchers believe the "unique nutrient composition of fish benefits kidney function by enhancing blood glucose control and improving plasmadefine lipid profiles".

While the type of fish the participants ate isn’t known, cod, plaice, haddock and canned tuna are among the preferred few amongst the inhabitants of the area where the study was hosted.

Diabetes is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, wherein the body’s blood glucose levels soar either due to underperformance of the pancreasdefine in producing insulindefine, the hormone responsible for breaking down sugars in the body, or the ineptness to use the normal amounts of insulin properly.

As constantly high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the whole body, the injured blood vessels in the kidney encumber it from functioning properly, as a result waste materials start building up in the body.

Besides raised levels of proteins in the urine, other early signs of kidney disease in diabetics include high blood pressure, leg cramps and ankle and leg swelling, frequent visits to washroom especially at night, high levels of BUN and creatinine in blood and overall weakness.