Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney disease. About 45% of all new cased of kidney disease in the U.S. each year are caused by diabetes. Diabetes damages the small blood vessels of the kidney, skin, skin, nerves, muscles, intestines and the heart.

High Blood Pressure is the second leading cause of kidney disease. People with diabetes are three times more likely to have high blood pressure than someone without diabetes. Uncontrolled or poorly controlled blood pressure can cause permanent damage to the blood vessels of the kidney, decreasing the ability to filter fluids and waste from the blood.

Both diabetes and high blood pressure increase your risk of kidney disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a target blood pressure of less than 120/80. The American Diabetes Association 9ADA) and National Institutes of Health recommend a target blood pressure of less than 130/80 for people with diabetes. When your blood pressure stays below 130/80 mmHg, you’ll be lowering your risk for diabetes problems.

A cure for diabetic kidney disease has not yet been found; treatment should begin early and includes controlling diabetes to slow the advance to kidney failure.

• Test your blood sugar often and keep it in a healthy range
• Keep your A1C below 6.5%
• Annual testing for microalbumin, protein found in the urine

Early detection and treatment of even mild high blood pressure is important for people with diabetes. Initial treatment goals to reach blood pressure targets include:

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Diet Change, such as using less salt and lowering cholesterol
• Use of medicines such as ACE Inhibitors and calcium channel blockers if needed

Lower your risk for kidney disease b y controlling your diabetes, and blood pressure, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you have diabetes and/or high blood pressure:

• Write down questions and concerns about your blood sugar, blood pressure, diet
•  and exercise plan
•  Check blood pressure and blood sugar levels as directed
• Take medication ordered by your doctor as directed
• See your doctor regularly, bring your blood pressure and blood sugar log books or meters
• Ask you doctor about how to quit smoking
• Learn all you can about diabetes and high blood pressure to become an active member in you own healthcare.

High blood pressure is closely linked to kidney disease. If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, you man need medication. Ask your doctor about your blood pressure

What is my blood pressure?

What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

Should I be on blood pressure medicine?

How can I get blood pressure monitor to use at home?

How often should I check my blood pressure?

Should I have blood or urine testes to check kidney Function?

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease in the U.S. Keeping your blood sugar in range and A1C below 6.5% will help decrease your risk of kidney disease. People with diabetes should have their urine checked for protein every year; this can show if there is kidney damage.

1. What should my blood sugar range be?
2. What is my A1C?
3. How often should I check my blood sugar?
4. How can I help control my blood sugar?
5. Should I see a diabetes specialist?
6. Should I talk with a dietician?
7. Do I need to change my diabetes medicine?
8. Should I have blood or urine tests to check kidney function?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of kidney disease. Over time kidneys may not work as well as they do right now. Kidney function is described in five stages, with stage 5 being the worst. Ask you doctor about your kidney function.

1. What stage of kidney disease am I in now?
2. What is my Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?
3. How often do you track my GFR?
4. How will I know if my kidney function has changed?
5. What signs and symptoms are there for kidney damage?
6. Are there blood or urine tests I should be having, and how often?
7. When should I see a kidney specialist?

If you have kidney disease there are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as they can. One of the most important things you can do is learn as much as you and ask questions.

1. What can I do to avoid or delay kidney disease?
2. How can I protect my kidneys?
3. Are there medicines I should avoid?
4. Should I be on an ACE inhibitor or ARB to protect my kidneys?
5. What changes should I make in my diet?
6. How can I stop smoking?
7. How often should I see my doctor?
8. Should I see a kidney specialist?