First, the doctor needs to find out if your diabetes has caused the kidney disease. Other diseases can cause kidney damage. Your kidneys will work better and last longer if you:
- Control your blood sugar
- Control your blood pressure
- Get treatment for urinary tract infections
- Correct any problems in your urinary system
- Avoid any medications that may damage the kidneys (especially over-the-counter pain medications)
If no other problems are found, your doctor will try to keep your kidneys working as long as possible. The use of high blood pressure-lowering drugs, known as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, have been shown to help slow the loss of kidney function.
What is end-stage renal failure in patients with diabetes?
End-stage renal failure, or kidney failure, occurs when your kidneys are no longer able to support you in a reasonably healthy state, and dialysis or transplant is needed. This happens when your kidney function is below 10 percent, or your body can no longer remove fluids or control potassium levels.
