Voice of the Diabetic

Voice of the Diabetic

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NEW KIDNEY GUIDELINES

Adapted from material provided by the National Kidney Foundation

(NKF). For further information, see the NKF website: www.kidney.org

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a much bigger problem than previously believed.

It is now known to affect 20 million Americans (NKF statistics), one in nine

U.S. adults. Many of these people have no idea they are affected, so they are

doing nothing to avoid further kidney damage. The NKF estimates another 20 million

Americans may be at increased risk for developing CKD. The three most at-risk

groups, according to the NKF, are diabetics, individuals with high blood pressure,

and those with a family history of kidney disease.

Note that kidney disease is a common complication of diabetes,

and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control describes diabetes as the single greatest

source of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD, "kidney failure").

Individuals who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family

history that would suggest risk of kidney problems, should ask their physicians

for three tests that can be administered during a routine office visit: A blood

test for creatinine (a waste product filtered by the kidneys); a urine test

for protein (microalbumin — a marker of early kidney damage); and a blood

pressure measurement (high blood pressure is both cause and complication of

kidney disease.) These tests should give your doctor a good picture of the state

of your kidneys.

The sooner kidney disease is identified, the better chance it

can be controlled, by lifestyle changes and medication. The necessary tests

are neither intimidating nor invasive, and VOICE OF THE DIABETIC urges all those

at risk, or who think they might be, to be tested, be sure, and take the necessary

action.

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