‘I am 52, not diabetic, BP 130/90 but my creatinine is 1.35 and eGFR 55. What do I do to stop further deterioration? My weight is 90 kg’

If you don’t have diabetes, why is kidney function affected?

Kidney decline can happen to anyone, not just those with diabetes. In many adults, silent metabolic issues are the real causes, such as:

Borderline high BP (130/90), which raises pressure within the kidney filters.

Excess weight (90 kg), which relates to insulin resistance even without diabetes.

Is your kidney at risk? (Photo: Quora)

High uric acid, fatty liver, or prediabetic traits, often overlooked until kidney markers decline.

Sleep apnea, common in overweight people, which silently harms both BP and kidneys.

“This is why diabetologists are paying more attention to kidney health even in non-diabetic patients,” noted Dr Ghody.

How to prevent further deterioration?

From a metabolic health standpoint, here’s an effective prevention plan:

*Aim for blood pressure closer to 120/80. Better BP control is the quickest way to protect your kidneys.
*Start a structured weight loss plan. Losing 5–7 kg over 3–4 months can improve your eGFR and lower insulin resistance.
*Balance your protein intake. Stay away from very high-protein diets, excessive red meat, or unsupervised protein supplements.
*Cut down on salt and ultra-processed foods. These can worsen both BP and kidney stress.
*Check important metabolic markers: HbA1c, fasting insulin, lipid profile, Vitamin D, and uric acid. Even slight abnormalities can increase kidney risk.
*Stay active. Aim for 30–40 minutes of brisk walking. This benefits your kidneys, BP, and weight all at once.
*Avoid taking painkillers like ibuprofen regularly. They can worsen kidney stress without you realising it.

Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Freepik)

What should you monitor going forward?

Keep a close watch on HbA1c every 6 months, as early prediabetes often develops in such people. “Kidney tests every 3–4 months (creatinine, eGFR, urine protein); Take morning and night blood pressure readings at home for two weeks, and remember that waist size is a better indicator of metabolic risk than weight alone,” said Dr Ghody.

The goal is stability. “With consistent BP control, moderate weight loss, and early attention to metabolic markers, you can significantly slow down kidney deterioration and often stabilise it,” said Dr Ghody.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.