Living with Diabetes

The kidneys contain millions of tiny blood vessel clusters that filter waste from your blood. Diabetes can damage this delicate filtering system. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure or irreversible end-stage kidney disease, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The kidneys work hard to make up for the failing capillaries so kidney disease produces no symptoms until almost all function is gone. Also, the symptoms of kidney disease are not specific. The first symptom of kidney disease is often fluid buildup. Other symptoms of advanced kidney disease include loss of sleep, poor appetite, upset stomach, weakness, and difficulty concentrating.

Diabetic kidney disease can be prevented by keeping blood glucose in your target range. Research has shown that good blood glucose control reduces the risk of early kidney disease and reduces the risk of progressing to more severe kidney problems by half.

Another important factor to prevent kidney disease is good blood pressure control. High blood pressure has a dramatic effect on the rate at which the disease progresses. Four ways to lower your blood pressure are losing weight, eating less salt, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and getting regular exercise. In addition, most men with diabetes need medications to treat their high blood pressure. Several types of blood pressure medication can specifically protect the kidneys from ongoing damage.

It is vital to see your health care team regularly. They can check your blood pressure, urine (for protein), blood (for waste products), and help you manage your diabetes to protect your kidneys.