### How to Take Care of Your Kidneys if You Have Diabetes Your kidneys work hard for you every day. To keep them healthy, focus on these key areas: 1. **Monitor Your Blood Pressure**: High blood pressure can stress your kidneys. Regularly check your blood pressure and consult your doctor if it's high. 2. **Manage Your Diabetes**: Keep your blood sugar levels in check with your doctor's help. Uncontrolled diabetes can harm your kidneys over time. 3. **Use Medications Wisely**: Follow your doctor's instructions for medications. Be cautious with medicines that can damage kidneys, like ibuprofen or certain prescriptions. 4. **Healthy Diet and Exercise**: Eating right and staying active help control blood pressure and blood sugar, benefiting your kidneys. 5. **Limit Salt Intake**: Keep sodium low, no more than 2,300 mg a day. Check food labels for sodium content. 6. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink enough water to keep your urine pale yellow or clear. Avoid excessive water intake. 7. **Moderate Alcohol Consumption**: Limit alcohol to one drink a day for women and two for men. Excessive drinking can harm your kidneys. 8. **No Smoking**: Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys and can interfere with blood pressure medications. Quitting smoking benefits your overall health. 9. **Regular Doctor Visits**: Routine checkups can help monitor kidney function. Tests like GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and urine tests for albumin can detect early kidney issues. Taking these steps can help protect your kidneys and maintain your overall health.