Hyderabad: Managing diabetes effectively requires more than blood sugar control; experts emphasize that limiting salt intake is crucial for reducing health risks. Healthcare experts are highlighting the dangers of excessive salt consumption for people with diabetes, noting that high sodium intake can aggravate complications such as hypertension, heart disease, and kidney damage.
Dr. Praveen Kumar Kulkarni, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at KIMS Hospitals, points out that diabetes already predisposes individuals to high blood pressure (hypertension), which can worsen long-term health risks. “Salt causes the body to retain water, increasing blood volume and putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system. For people with diabetes, who are already at higher risk for hypertension, this can exacerbate complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage,” Dr. Kulkarni explains.
Hypertension, he notes, is a serious complication of diabetes that further raises the risk of heart-related issues. Managing salt intake is essential because high blood pressure adds strain to the arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Dr. G. Sandeep Reddy, Consultant Endocrinologist at Kamineni Hospitals, underscores that the American Heart Association (AHA) advises people with diabetes and high blood pressure to limit sodium intake to no more than 1,500 milligrams daily. “Reducing sodium can help manage blood pressure, which in turn lowers the chances of life-threatening cardiovascular incidents,” says Dr. Reddy. He emphasizes that kidney health is particularly vulnerable in individuals with diabetes. Diabetic nephropathy, or kidney damage, is a common issue because elevated blood sugar over time can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood.
Excessive salt places additional strain on the kidneys, requiring them to process higher sodium levels and leading to potential kidney damage. This added burden, especially on already compromised kidneys, can accelerate the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure. Dr. Reddy points out that kidney disease is a leading cause of death among people with diabetes, and reducing salt intake can help protect kidney function and reduce severe complications.
Dr. Usha Rani, a senior consultant in general medicine and diabetes management at Aster Prime Hospital, notes that cardiovascular risks such as heart disease and stroke are significantly higher in people with diabetes, exacerbated by factors like high blood pressure, poor circulation, and nerve damage. “Diabetics are at an increased risk of arterial blockages that can lead to heart attacks or strokes, and this risk grows for those with both diabetes and hypertension,” she explains, stressing that salt reduction is vital for cardiovascular health.
In addition to these risks, Dr. Namburi Anil Kumar, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine and Diabetology at SLG Hospitals, highlights that people with diabetes should aim for a daily salt intake of no more than 5 grams, equivalent to just under a teaspoon. For individuals with diabetes, he warns, excess salt can lead to fluid retention, and worsening conditions like swelling or edema. This fluid retention is particularly concerning for those with diabetes who also suffer from peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation, as it can lead to painful swelling in the extremities, discomfort, and limited mobility. Swelling, or edema, can also increase infection risk due to reduced blood flow, especially in the feet and legs.
Dr. Kumar explains that by reducing salt intake, people with diabetes can help minimize fluid retention, protect kidney function, and enhance cardiovascular health. High sodium levels exacerbate diabetes-related complications, but making manageable dietary adjustments can significantly reduce long-term health risks. For people with diabetes, lowering salt intake is an essential strategy for managing blood pressure, supporting kidney health, and improving heart health.
While cutting back on salt can be challenging, experts emphasize that the benefits are substantial. Making these changes is a critical, manageable step that can improve overall health outcomes and reduce the risks associated with diabetes.