Sugar consumption has been linked to an increased risk of many diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). When the blood sugar level gets too high, the kidneys start to spill sugar into the urine. The higher the blood sugar, the more your kidneys work. 

This condition is called hyperglycemia, which poses a significant health risk when you have CKD. Hyperglycemia is a problem among diabetics as uncontrolled high blood sugar can result in the increased decline of kidney function, cardiovascular disease, vision loss, etc. Diabetes can damage the kidneys’ blood vessels, which can negatively impact kidney function. This results in fluid, sodium and waste material building up in the blood.

Normal blood sugar level

The amount of sugar in the blood is referred to as blood glucose level. Glucose is the sugar that is present in the blood at all times. Your blood sugar level can be normal, low, or high depending on the amount of glucose in your bloodstream. A normal blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL in the morning, for anyone without diabetes or prediabetes.

Note that blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day depending on a range of factors. These factors include diet, physical activity, medications, age, stress, alcohol, menstrual periods, etc. Blood sugar levels over 130 mg/dL before a meal or 180 mg/dL within one to two hours after a meal are considered high. Having high blood sugar levels could mean an underlying health condition that may need medical attention.

Blood sugar tests

The glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s organs and tissues. The higher the blood sugar gets, the more sugar gets attached to the hemoglobin.

An A1C test will give an estimate of the average sugar level in the blood for the past 3 months and gives an overview of how much impact the sugar has in the body, especially the kidneys. A normal A1C test is less than 6% for people who don’t have diabetes. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests show that you have diabetes. An A1C level between 5.7 and 6.4 percent indicates prediabetes. Generally speaking, diabetics should aim for A1C below 7 percent.

Note: Always check in with your primary healthcare provider to determine your A1C goal. Work with them to use your blood sugar tests as a guide when deciding your food choices, physical activity and medications. 

Meanwhile, your doctor may request different blood tests if your A1C test results aren’t consistent, you are pregnant or have an uncommon form of hemoglobin called hemoglobin variant. These tests include:

• Random blood sugar test (RBS) - A blood sample is drawn randomly regardless of the last time you ate. This type of testing is helpful because healthy people don’t have varying glucose levels throughout the day. A blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — 11.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) — or higher may indicate diabetes. 
• Fasting blood sugar test - A blood sample will be taken after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test - This type of test requires overnight fasting. An oral glucose tolerance test is used to measure your response to glucose and screen diabetes 2. A blood sample is taken before you are asked to drink a liquid with a certain amount of glucose. Your blood will be drawn again every 30 to 60 minutes after you drink the liquid. The test may take up to 3 hours. A reading between 140 and 199 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L and 11.0 mmol/L) indicates prediabetes. Your urine will be tested if you are suspected to have type 1 diabetes.

Managing blood sugar levels

As mentioned, diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Managing your blood sugar levels help manage diabetes, thereby reducing your risk of developing CKD. We have a dedicated blog for diabetes and CKD. Click the link here.

Artificial sweeteners for CKD

Also called sugar substitutes, artificial sweeteners provide the sweetness of sugar without calories. Since artificial sweeteners are much sweeter than sugar, foods made with artificial sweeteners may have fewer calories compared to their sugary counterparts. Sugar substitutes don’t spike your blood sugar levels the way regular table sugar does.

Most artificial sweeteners are considered "free foods”, which contain less than 20 calories and approx. 5 grams, or less, of carbohydrates. However, note that the other ingredients in foods that have artificial sweeteners can still impact your blood sugar level.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved eight types of sugar substitutes that can be used in food, drinks, and medications. Among the famous substitutes are:

Sugar alternatives

Artificial sweeteners have been under hot water for their potential in causing different health issues such as cancer. However, FDA has established an acceptable maximum daily intake that is considered safe to consume. More so, some people are still skeptical about artificial sweeteners as these substitutes may not reduce the risks of developing diseases such as obesity, diabetes, stroke, hypertension, and heart diseases. Artificial sweeteners may not spike blood sugar as regular table sugar does, but they could deceive our taste buds, stimulate the appetite and cause us to overeat.

Consume these healthier alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners instead:

The Bottomline

Managing blood sugar is important for people with CKD, or those who are also suffering both from Diabetes and CKD, to delay the progression of the disease. Read food labels regardless of whether you are using artificial sweeteners or sugar alternatives, since other food ingredients could also be spiking your blood glucose. Consider limiting sugar altogether– regular sugar or its alternatives– and stick to whole foods that are gentle on your kidneys.

Work with your primary health care provider to know more about your A1C level and how to tailor-fit your renal diet to reach your health goals.