Controlling BloodSugar: Not So Helpful For Kidneys?

Accurate control of bloodsugar in diabetics lowers some risk of kidney damage, however, studies show a lack of evidence when it comes to preventing kidney disease. The study examined two signs of kidney damage: microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria, which can cause too much protein to accumulate in urine.

The researchers looked at seven trials that involved 28,065 adult patients. One of the researchers, Dr. Steven Coca, of Yale University, stated, "intensive glycemic [blood sugar] control lessens albuminuria, but there's not enough data to say if that benefit extends to kidney disease or kidney failure."

These results might demonstrate the lack of purpose in intensive blood sugar control in the mid-stage of type2 diabetes.

Yet, other experts aren't content with the mixed data this research displayed. Dr. David Nathan, of Massachusetts General Hospital, stated, "Although implementing intensive therapy is difficult and imposes burden and expense, all of the primary data continue to support its long-term benefit."

The data do not conclusively show that kidney disease is prevented when accurately controlling bloodsugar, but some kidney damage is prevented. The long-term benefits are still not set in stone with respect to tight control of bloodsugar and kidney disease.