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Is A "Kidney Check" Part Of Your Diabetes Checks? If Not, Should It Be?

A DiabetesTeam Member asked a question 💭
Inverary, ON

The leading cause of Kidney Disease is Diabetes or more specifically, a complication of high blood sugar over a period of years

Somewhere between 30 and 40% of people with diabetes will develop kidney disease and can set in as early as 3 to 5 years after diagnosis with Type 1 but often takes about 10 years to "get serious" after a diagnosis of Type 2

There is no "cure" for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) so the best you can hope for is to either slow or arrest the progression once it is diagnosed

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August 8, 2023 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members strongly agreed that kidney function testing should be a standard part of diabetes care, with most reporting that their doctors... Read more

Members strongly agreed that kidney function testing should be a standard part of diabetes care, with most reporting that their doctors include eGFR tests either annually or every six months alongside A1C testing. Several members shared their personal kidney function results, ranging from excellent numbers in the high 90s to concerning drops requiring closer monitoring or specialist referrals, with one member describing how lack of early kidney monitoring led to severe stage decline. A recurring theme was the importance of early and consistent testing to catch problems while they can still be managed, with members emphasizing proactive communication with doctors and gratitude for medical teams who prioritize kidney health as part of comprehensive diabetes management.

A DiabetesTeam Member

I have regular visits with the kidney Doctor. So far so good.

August 10, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

My blood work always includes kidney function.

August 8, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

I have an amazing doctor who keeps up on my Heart, Liver, Kidney etcI am very grateful for her :)

August 9, 2023
A DiabetesTeam Member

I was just reading your post when I got a ping…It was my BMP (Basic Metabolic Panel) results from blood drawn early this morning.

eGFR = 79 (Aug. 8, 2023)

eGFR = 97 (Feb 22, 2023)

I like 97 better but 79 is still within range. Plus. going for kidney tests (IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram, Ultrasound, et. al.) in September.

So…to answer your question: Yes, kidney values/function needs to be checked at least once a year if not twice.

🦄

August 8, 2023 (edited)
A DiabetesTeam Member

I recently received word from my doctor that my kidney is less effective than previously. This worries me. He told me to drink more water and we would check again in a couple months.

August 8, 2023

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