I am a kidney transplant patient. I lost my kidneys in 2002 (approximately) because of diabetes and high blood pressure. I know first hand how deadly diabetes can be. I am new to hub pages, but I will probably do several hubs on the dangers of diabetes.

There was a point in time in my diabetes that I did not value the remarkable power that diabetes exacts over a body when it is not kept under control. I have learned a lot, mostly through the school of hard knocks. This hub is regarding Diabetes Kidney Failure and what I think you need to know about Diabetes Kidney Damage. This perspective is from a patient surviving.

I refuse to approach this as a victim, and It is very possible that some of what I have experienced would have happened anyway. I will never know. However, if my knowledge will help you then I am glad. I consider myself an expert; I have been forced to become one. After multiple conferences with doctors, nurse practitioners, dieticians, internal imaging specialists, and a rang of specialists which have left me with bills upon bills, pills upon pills, chills with no thrills – I have had several non-diabetic health care professionals ask me questions!

You may be at risk for kidney disease and not even know it! Let me begin by listing six classes of people (and there are more I could include depending on life style and the medications you take!) who are known to be at obvious risk.

1. Genetics: Do you have a family history of diabetes.
2. Obesity: People over their ideal body weight
3. Gestational Diabetes: People who had diabetes with pregnancy only
4. Life style: People who exercise less and have a sedentary lifestyle;
5. Glucose Intolerance: Individuals who have impaired glucose intolerance (fasting glucose levels being higher than normal (120+)
6. Fat: Individuals with high triglyceride (fat) level in the blood.

In my case I have/had all, except for gestational diabetes, of the above. I was born with a birth defect that left me somewhat crippled and exercise, fat build up, and such happened over time. I felt good though and did not heed the warnings. I hope you do!

Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis in the United States. This fact is well known. When I was in dialysis, a good part of my friends/fellow patients were diabetics. Know how to protect yourself. Know the testing that you need to get. Know if you are at risk for diabetes. I have had my share of dialysis and I do wish that experience on anyone.

RESOURCE LINKS:

• Life on Dialysis
• Diabetes And Kidney Disease - What You Must Know
• Warning Signs Diabetes

If You Think You Have Diabetic Kidney Disease

If you suspect kidney disease see your primary care professional ASAP. You will need to have her screen you for diabetic kidney disease. She will check your blood creatinine level which is used to determine your kidney function. This level varies according to your age, sex, race, and weight. Your urine will need to be screened for protein. (A small amount of protein in the urine is called microalbuminuria. A Larger amount is most often called proteinuria or frank proteinuria.)

MORE KIDNEY DYSFUNCTION RESOURCES

• Chronic Kidney Failure Symptoms
• Renal Dysfunction after Myocardial Revascularization: Risk Factors ...

What Can You Do If Think You Are At Risk?

1. Must see your doctor

2. Get your sugar control number (a1c) below 7%. If you don’t know what this means your doctor will explain. I’ll try to write another hub later.

3. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), get your blood pressure below 130/80.

4. If you have small or large amounts of protein in the urine, ask your health care provider if you are right for a group of medicines called ace inhibitors and Arb's which can lower the protein in the urine and help to protect your kidneys against diabetes.

5. Exercise (if ok with your healthcare provider) at least 3 times per week. Aerobic activity is needed. This helps blood sugar, weight, heart and blood pressure. I was told that every hour of exercise extends your life expectancy! Wow!

6. Get down to your ideal body weight. I am still working on this – it is the hardest for some of us!

7. If you have a family history of diabetes, get screened. Very important.

8. If you already have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels under control. Check your sugar often. I check my sugar 5-6 times daily.

9. Wear your medical id bracelet or jewelry in case of an accident.

10. Stay positive.

Resources from my web sites: KnowingDiabetes.com

• Diabetes Mellitus Info - Diabetes Information
• Warning Signs Diabetes: My Story
• Diabetes And Kidney Disease - What You Must Know Dr. Campbell's article is a very informative short analysis of one the major complications which result from diabetes. He concludes with six powerful steps that can be taken in order to minimize the risks!

One final note: even if you are to the point of dialysis do not despair. I have friends who live full lives and take dialysis as well! Good luck and God bless!