A high blood sugar level can cause problems in many parts of our body, especially the kidney. Nettle leaf tea is a great herbal tea for kidney health. At the same time, its necessary to keep Diabetes in check and regulate the blood sugar levels.

Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) around the world and the common cause of kidney disease worldwide. If serum creatinine levels have been progressively going up, it is suggestive of deterioration of kidney function. The damage is usually irreversible. To slow down further deterioration - our blood sugar needs to have impeccable control (HbA1c < 7 %). Blood pressure should be controlled to levels of 120/75 mmHg. For effective diabetes care, do not take too much salt (> 4-5 gms/day) and protein 0.6-0.8 gms/day.

Below are few pointer to manage creatinine levels if suffering from diabetes

• Avoid taking supplements containing creatine

Some athletes, who have been previously diagnosed with diabetes, unknowingly use creatinine-producing supplements to help enhance athletic performance, which may further worsen renal function. If anyone wishes to reduce their creatinine levels to improve their kidney function, they should not take creatine supplements. Avoiding them will help in diabetes care as well.

• Reduce your protein intake

Research shows that eating large amounts of protein can increase creatinine levels at least temporarily. People following diets high in red meat, other protein sources, or dairy products, may have higher creatinine levels than people who eat fewer of those foods, especially in those who are diagnosed with high blood sugar levels. Reducing protein intake in chronic kidney disease- diabetes care management will be effective in long term prevention of renal issues in patients.

• Having fibre rich foods

One study showed significant reductions in creatinine levels in people suffering from diabetes with chronic kidney disease who increased their fibre intake. Adequate fibre intake is also effective in the management of blood sugar levels in diabetes care. Adding colourful salads is a good option.

• Take Nettle Herbal Tea

Nettle leaf tea is a wonderful herbal which can be included in the day in place of ordinary tea. It will serve three purposes: Firstly, it will help you to avoid sugar or sugar substitute in tea as Nettle tea does not need any sweetner. Secondly, it naturally brings down creatinine levels and promotes kidney health. Thirdly, it will give a good dose of antioxidants that will help in bringing down oxidative stress in body. My personal suggestion is to go for BestSource Nutrition’s Nettle Leaf as it comes from Kashmir and is caffeine free. It is tested for quality and known for brining good results since a long time.

• Lower Salt intake

Excess salt containing diets can contribute to high blood pressure which can place a load on kidneys thus increasing blood creatinine levels in people already diagnosed with diabetes. Processed foods, in particular, are often loaded with sodium and phosphorus, which studies have shown potentially cause renal issues. Whole, unprocessed foods, spices and herbs to flavour your food, should be used as an effective management in diabetes care.