It's National Kidney Month

Diabetes is the number one risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term complication, sometimes taking 10 or more years to develop after a person is diagnosed with diabetes. It is responsible for 30-40% of new cases of kidney failure, and subsequent dialysis.

Is kidney failure inevitable if you have diabetes? No, not necessarily. Although no one can predict who will develop kidney disease, tight control and treatment of blood sugar and blood pressure can help slow down, if not prevent kidney failure. Of, course, regular screening by your health care professional is very important because early diagnosis can help you protect the kidney function that you still have.

• Kidney Disease in Diabetes
• Living with Chronic Kidney Disease
• ACE Inhibitors: Blood Pressure Control in Diabetes