March is National Kidney Month, a good time to review the risks of kidney disease for people with diabetes. Diabetes is actually the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in the US, and 20 to 30 percent of people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes will develop the early signs of kidney disease.

But there are things you can do to minimize your risk. First of all, be sure to have a urine test for microalbuminuria every year. And be aware of the six warning signs of kidney and urinary tract disease:

• Burning or difficulty during urination
• More frequent urination, particularly at night
• Passage of bloody-appearing urine
• Puffiness around the eyes, swelling of hands and feet, especially in children
• Pain in the small of the back, just below the ribs (not aggravated by movement)
• High blood pressure

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away.

Next week, we'll look at kidney-healthy eating habits.

Related information Complications - Kidney

Sources:

• ADA. Diabetic nephropathy - a position statement. Diabetes Care, January 2002;25(Suppl 1):S85-S89.
• National Kidney Foundation. Six warning signs of kidney and urinary tract disease. 2002.