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In the lead-up to World Diabetes Day on November 14, healthcare experts are raising awareness about the vital importance of salt reduction for people with diabetes. Although managing blood sugar is a primary focus, keeping sodium intake in check is equally critical, as excess salt can exacerbate complications and pose serious health risks for diabetics.
The Blood Pressure Connection
Dr. Praveen Kumar Kulkarni, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at KIMS Hospitals, highlights that high sodium intake can have significant impacts on blood pressure, a common issue for people with diabetes. “Diabetes already places individuals at an increased risk of developing hypertension, a condition that worsens the long-term complications of the disease,” he explained. “Salt causes the body to retain water, raising blood pressure by increasing the blood volume. Over time, this added strain on the cardiovascular system can lead to more severe health problems.”
Hypertension in diabetics is more than just a numbers game; it amplifies the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage, which are already elevated for this population. This makes salt reduction essential for managing the interconnected health risks diabetics face.
Kidney Damage and Sodium’s Impact
Excessive salt is particularly harmful to the kidneys, another organ already vulnerable to damage from diabetes. Dr. G. Sandeep Reddy, an endocrinologist at Kamineni Hospitals, notes that the American Heart Association (AHA) advises people with diabetes to limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams per day to help manage blood pressure and lower cardiovascular risks.
Diabetes can lead to diabetic nephropathy, or kidney damage, as high blood sugar levels affect the kidneys’ filtering abilities. “Excess salt intake adds strain on these vital organs, accelerating kidney damage and potentially leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even kidney failure,” Dr. Reddy explained. As kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death among people with diabetes, he emphasizes that reducing salt is key to protecting kidney function and reducing complications.
Cardiovascular Health at Stake
Dr. Usha Rani, a Senior Consultant in General Medicine at Aster Prime Hospital, points out that people with diabetes face a greater risk of heart disease and stroke due to high blood pressure, poor circulation, and nerve damage. “Diabetics have thickened blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of blockages that can result in heart attacks or strokes. This risk is heightened for those with both diabetes and high blood pressure,” she said. Lowering salt intake, therefore, becomes essential for cardiovascular health.
Salt and Fluid Retention: A Risk for Neuropathy and Edema
According to Dr. Namburi Anil Kumar, Senior Consultant and Diabetologist at SLG Hospitals, people with diabetes are advised to consume no more than 5 grams of salt per day, just under a teaspoon. He cautions that excess salt can cause fluid retention, leading to edema, or swelling—a condition particularly concerning for diabetics with peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor circulation. “Fluid retention can worsen neuropathy, causing swelling in the extremities, discomfort, and limited mobility,” he explained, adding that edema also increases the risk of infections in those with poor blood circulation in their feet and legs.
By lowering sodium intake, Dr. Kumar asserts that people with diabetes can reduce fluid retention and protect their overall health, which in turn can help manage blood pressure, support kidney function, and improve cardiovascular outcomes.
For people with diabetes, reducing salt intake is a manageable but essential step in lowering long-term health risks.
