Diabetes can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney disease. As a diabetic, you need to get checked for kidney disease to prevent major complications. Read on for some other important reasons to get checked. 

• Early kidney disease has no signs or symptoms. The only way to know if you have kidney disease is to get checked for it. 
• Kidney disease does not go away. It may get worse over time and can lead to kidney failure. 
• Kidney disease can be treated. The sooner you know you have kidney disease, the sooner you can get treatment to help delay or prevent kidney failure. Treating kidney disease may also help prevent heart disease. 

A urine micro-albumin test reveals important information about your kidneys. Healthy kidneys filter waste products from your blood. If your kidneys become damaged, some of these waste products may remain in your blood. At the same time, a type of protein called albumin - which should stay in your blood - leaks into your urine. Micro-albumin tests can detect this damage at the earliest possible stages. Prompt treatment can help prevent kidney failure. How often you need micro-albumin tests depends on any underlying conditions and your risk of kidney damage.  

• Type 1 Diabetes: your doctor may recommend a micro-albumin test once a year beginning five years after your diagnosis.
• Type 2 Diabetes: your doctor may recommend a micro-albumin test once a year beginning immediately after your diagnosis.

If your urinary micro-albumin level is elevated, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.  The earlier kidney problems are detected, the sooner you can begin treatment. 

If you have more questions about your life as a diabetic contact one of our health coaches today, or call us at 1-866-511-0360.  

Want advice on changing your diet and starting your journey towards a healthier life?  Start here.

*This guide is not meant to take the place of a physician visit nor can it diagnose illness or medical problems. It is designed to give you information relating to your health risks and overall wellness. This information is provided to help you develop a plan of action to make healthy lifestyle changes. HealthCheck360 uses scientifically validated research to help you identify risks or behaviors that may cause or lead to chronic illness. Our program concentrates on risk factors that can be modified and that you should be able to effectively control, maintain, and/or improve.