When To Call A Professional

If you have diabetes, your blood pressure should be checked every six months to a year, or more often if it is higher than goals. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy, your urine should be tested for microalbumin at least once a year to check for this problem and diagnose it as early as possible. People with kidney disease need to have regular tests of kidney function - once a year or more often. If you have symptoms that suggest advanced kidney disease, you should discuss them with your physician.

Prognosis

Although kidney failure cannot always be prevented, worsening can be slowed with medications and control of risk factors. When full kidney failure occurs, dialysis and a kidney transplant are options that allow people to continue to lead active lives.

Additional Info

National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse 1 Information Way Bethesda, MD 20892-3560 Phone: (301) 654-3327 Toll-Free: (800) 860-8747 www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/ndic.htm

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders Office of Communications and Public Liaison Building 31, Room 9A04 Center Drive, MSC 2560 Bethesda, MD 20892-2560 Phone: (301) 496-3583 Fax: (301) 496-7422 http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

American Diabetes Association ATTN: Customer Service 1701 N. Beauregard St. Alexandria, VA 22311 Toll-Free: (800) 342-2383 http://www.diabetes.org/