Moving for Kidney Health – The Effects of Exercise on Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Literature Review
Eko Setyo Herwanto1*, Dzaky Ramadhan Hidayat2, Meddy Setiawan3
Abstract
Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is a common microvascular complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Its pathophysiology involves hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hemodynamic changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) dysregulation, which together lead to glomerulosclerosis, proteinuria, and fibrosis. Exercise has emerged as a non-pharmacological intervention with proven benefits in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and preserving renal function. Different types of physical activity including aerobic exercise, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) demonstrate positive impacts on renal parameters such as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Clinical studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, show that exercise can prevent renal function decline, lower albuminuria, and improve glycemic control in T2DM patients. Resistance training appears to offer superior renal protection compared to aerobic exercise, and reducing sedentary behavior is consistently associated with better kidney outcomes. Therefore, structured physical activity should be considered an essential component in managing renal complications of T2DM.
Keywords
type 2 diabetes mellitus; kidney function; physical exercise; diabetic nephropathy.
Cite This Article
Herwanto, E. S., Hidayat, D. R., Setiawan, M. (2025). Moving for Kidney Health – The Effects of Exercise on Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Literature Review. International Journal of Scientific Advances (IJSCIA), Volume 6| Issue 3: May-Jun 2025, Pages 464-470 URL: https://www.ijscia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Volume6-Issue3-May-Jun-No.878-464-470.pdf
Volume 6 | Issue 3: May – Jun 2025
