Coping/Complications

 Short-Term

 Long-Term

The kidneys filter waste products from the body into the urine to be excreted. Diabetes can cause the small vessels in the kidneys to thicken, resulting in kidney damage (nephropathy). Damaged kidneys cannot filter the body's wastes effectively and poisons begin to build up in the body causing illness. Eventually, damaged kidneys may fail, making it necessary to have dialysis and/or a kidney transplant.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Problems

• High Blood Pressure
  
• Protein in the urine
  
• Swelling of the legs

Note: Early, treatable forms of kidney damage have no noticeable symptoms.

To Prevent or Delay Kidney Problems

• Control your blood glucose.
  
• Reduce blood pressure (with medication as needed, goal less than 130/80).
  
• Limit your protein intake.
  
• Have regular medical check-ups.
  
• At each medical visit, have your blood pressure checked while lying down and sitting up.
  
• At least once a year, have a urinalysis for protein.
  - If negative, get tested for microalbuminuria.
  - If positive, collect a 24-hour urine sample to be tested for microalbumin and creatinine clearance.
  
• Your doctor may want you to use a drug known as an ACE inhibitor to delay or stop kidney damage, especially if you spill protein or microalbumin in your urine. This may be used whether or not you have high blood pressure.
  

Reprinted with permission from: InfoDek® © Copyright 2002