Care of Kidneys
Diabetes Support Group Meeting Highlights
April 20, 2010
On April 20, 2010 the Diabetes Support Group met at Prairie Clinic to learn more about the care of kidneys when you have diabetes. Because kidney damage can occur for years without symptoms, the best way to check if you have kidney problems is to see your provider and have lab tests done at least annually. Having diabetes puts you at risk for kidney disease.
Normally the kidneys serve as the filtering system of the body and it is actually the tiny blood vessels that do this work. They remove unwanted substances from your blood and extra fluid to the bladder and leave the body in the urine. The filters keep the protein and minerals in your body. The kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and stimulate your bone marrow to produce red blood cells.
The best way to learn whether you have kidney problems is to have a sample of your urine checked for protein. If your test is positive for protein, a repeated test will be done to confirm the results. Protein in the urine can also be early warning sign of heart disease or retinopathy (eye disease). There are also some blood tests that detect kidney damage.
Keeping your blood pressure at goal (normally <130/80 per ADA recommendations) and keeping your blood sugars at goal ( <7.0 per ADA) can help prevent or delay kidney disease. This will probably include a change in diet, taking medication if indicated, and having regular checkups.
Kidney damage is not reversible but its progress can be slowed and that would be the goal of treatment. If you have further questions regarding kidney function, please discuss with your provider or diabetes educator.
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