Looking After Your Kidneys

Your kidneys filter your blood, and diabetes can damage the fine filters over time. Like eye disease, it produces no symptoms until it is advanced.

It is picked up with two tests: a urine test looking for small amounts of protein, and a blood test estimating how well your kidneys are filtering. Both are done at least yearly. Small amounts of protein appearing in your urine are often the earliest sign, and at that stage there is a lot that can be done.

Blood pressure matters here as much as blood sugar does — arguably more. Meeting your blood pressure target is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your kidneys, which is why it is checked at every visit and why blood pressure medicines are often part of diabetes care even when you feel fine.

One practical warning that gets overlooked. Common painkillers taken regularly can be hard on the kidneys. If you are taking something like that most days for joint pain or headaches, mention it — there are usually alternatives.

Blood pressure control protects your heart as well as your kidneys. Also tell any doctor treating you for something unrelated that you have diabetes, because some medicines and some contrast scans need adjusting if your kidney function is reduced.