Kidney Watch Diabetes

KIDNEY WATCH AUSTRALIA
Diabetes? Your kidneys could be at risk.

Diabetes is the second most common cause of kidney disease in Australia, except in Aboriginal Australians where it is the leading cause.

One in four people who need dialysis (artificial kidney treatment) or kidney transplantation in Australia have a condition called diabetic kidney disease. This condition leads to increased amounts of protein in the urine, high blood pressure and eventually kidney failure.

A less common cause of kidney disease through diabetes is caused by nerve damage to the bladder. The damage makes it harder to pass urine, which can result in pressure causing the urine to flow back into the kidneys leading to scarring. Although rare, this condition can result in kidney failure.

Are you at risk of diabetic kidney disease? Factors which increase your risk include:

* Obesity

* Lack of physical activity

* High blood pressure

* High blood glucose levels (particularly in the early stages of diabetes)

* Smoking

* Family history of high blood pressure or diabetic kidney disease

You can reduce the risk by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising moderately for at least 30 minutes, five times a week, and eating a healthy diet.

If you are already diabetic make sure

* You have a kidney health check each year that includes

a blood test to measure your kidney function,

measurement of blood pressure

a urine test for protein (in diabetics we check for microalbumin)

* You maintain a normal blood pressure
* You maintain good control of your blood sugar levels
* Any urinary infections are treated promptly
For kidney health information and advice call the Kidney Health Info Line (freecall) 1800 682 531 or TTY 1800 005 881, or visit the Kidney Health Australia website www.kidney.org.au


More information from Kidney Health Australia
Kidney Watch Anaemia
Kidney Watch Nutrition
Kidney Watch High Blood Pressure
Kidney Watch Diabetes
Kidney Watch Early Detection
Kidney Health Australia