Do you have diabetes? What kind of tests do you need to get?

Regular tests for diabetic kidney disease.
Diabetes can affect the kidneys. When blood sugar levels are high, it can damage blood vessels in the kidneys. Kidney disease can happen if a diabetic does not control their blood sugar levels over a long period of time. This is called diabetic nephropathy which can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure is when the kidney shuts down and stops cleaning waste from the blood. Early screening and treatment for kidney disease may reduce risk of kidney failure.

What can you do?
You can keep blood sugar levels under control by following the treatment plan your doctor recommends. It is also important to get regular blood pressure checks and blood tests. Smoking raises you blood sugar levels and makes it harder to control. If you smoke, you increase your risk of problems from diabetes. Talk to your doctor about programs to help you stop smoking.

For more information, visit the web site:
http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/guidetoq/guidetoq.pdf