Regular Exercise May Reduce the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that moderate to vigorous exercise may help lower the risk of developing chronic kidney disease in people with obesity or other weight issues. The study found that individuals who engaged in between 329 and 469 minutes of vigorous exercise per week had a significantly lower risk of progressing to chronic kidney disease.
Encouraging News for Kidney Disease Patients
For individuals with kidney disease, this study provides encouraging news. It offers an inexpensive and accessible way to potentially reduce or prevent the progression of their condition. Moderate to vigorous physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes who also have obesity or weight issues.
The Look AHEAD Trial
The study conducted a secondary analysis using data from the Look AHEAD trial, a multi-center, randomized controlled trial that compared cardiovascular outcomes of an intensive lifestyle intervention to standard diabetes support and education. The researchers reviewed the records of 5,145 adults with diabetes and weight issues, with an average follow-up period of 12 years. During this period, 567 participants progressed to chronic kidney disease.
Key Findings
The study found that individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 329 minutes per week had a lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Those who accumulated their exercise in periods of at least 10 minutes at a time had an even greater reduction in risk. In fact, participants who improved their weekly exercise tally by about one hour reduced their risk of developing chronic kidney disease by approximately 33%.
Limitations of the Study
It is important to note that this study was purely observational, and therefore cannot establish a cause and effect relationship between exercise and chronic kidney disease. However, it does provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of physical activity for individuals with diabetes and weight issues.
The Importance of Physical Activity
Dr. Babak Orandi, an abdominal transplant surgeon and obesity medicine specialist, stated that this study confirms what many healthcare professionals had suspected—physical activity plays a significant role in preventing chronic kidney disease. He emphasized that even brief episodes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, lasting less than 10 minutes, are associated with a decreased risk of kidney disease.
Managing Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a condition caused by kidney damage that impairs their ability to filter the blood properly. This can lead to the buildup of excess fluid and waste in the body, resulting in serious medical issues such as heart disease and stroke. The National Kidney Foundation recommends treating and managing underlying conditions that may contribute to kidney disease, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular visits to a nephrologist and managing complications, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, are also essential.
Exercise as a Preventive Measure
These findings provide motivation for individuals who struggle to incorporate exercise into their daily routine. Moderate to vigorous physical activity can be achieved without the need for gym memberships or specialized equipment. It can be done in the privacy of one’s own home, even in small spaces. This study reinforces the idea that when it comes to preventing chronic kidney disease, more exercise is better than less, and even short bouts of physical activity can make a difference.
In conclusion, regular exercise, particularly moderate to vigorous physical activity, may help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease in individuals with obesity or weight issues. This study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of physical activity for individuals with diabetes and weight issues, offering an inexpensive and accessible way to potentially prevent the progression of kidney disease.
Original Story at www.medicalnewstoday.com – 2024-02-07 21:39:14
