Expert explains

Poor kidney values with diabetes?

Not only blood sugar levels, but also kidney values can change with diabetes.

(Bild: Dragana Gordic – stock.adobe.com / KroneMED)

Readers ask, experts answer on the most pressing health issues. Anna S. (55): "I was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and my kidney values weren't right either. Apart from blood sugar checks, what other checks are necessary?"

Dr. Jakob Ebner, specialist in cardiology at the Kirchdorf/Krems Clinic (Lower Austria): Even if modern diabetes medication is already very good, diabetes can cause late damage to various organs. Therefore, the top priority is to control blood sugar levels by changing diet, strength and endurance training and with medication (if necessary).

If diabetes is present, regular check-ups with doctors of various specialties are necessary: annual eye checks and neurological checks are recommended to detect diabetes-related nerve damage.

The kidneys often suffer particularly from high blood sugar levels, which is why kidney patients should have annual urine tests for protein in the urine and a blood test to determine kidney function. In the case of diabetic kidney disease, these checks should even be carried out several times a year. A 24-hour blood pressure measurement is also advisable once a year for diabetic kidney disease in order to ensure good blood pressure control.

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To minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease, cholesterol levels should also be checked regularly and, if necessary, cholesterol-lowering therapy should be initiated. So there is a lot to consider when you have diabetes. I recommend that my patients set up a certain schedule with the necessary checks at the beginning of the year.