[airtas]

what are the first signs of kidney damage in type one diabetes?

[Shalyndria]

Hi airtas.
Early stages of diminished kidney function are generally asymptomatic; this means there are little or no symptoms in the beginning stages of Diabetic Nephropathy. Symptoms will usually occur after the kidneys have been damaged.

The best detection is through laboratory testing. Mild to moderate renal insufficiency is characterized by elevated BUN (blood, urea, nitrogen) and creatinine levels. Nocturia (night urination) is common due to a failure to concentrate urine while sleeping. Fatigue, lassitude, pallor, anemia, swelling and cramping of the legs, and high B/P are all prominent features of nephropathy. Abnormal electrolyte values (Na, K, CO2, CL) can also be indicative of kidney failure.

Hope that helps

Shy

[Lorna]

This is something I have been paraniod about since I was wrongly diagnosed with problems about 2 years age (The test tube got contaminated giving a faulse positive.) However, the test for protien is not painful or time consuming, so your best bet is to have it done on a regular basis.

[JasonSmithMT]

Laboratory tests usually are the first indication of kidney damage. Microalbuminuria - microalbumin in the urine - is usually the first sign before elevations in serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are seen. Diabetics should have a urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio done at least once a year, more often if kidney damage is suspect.

[SunniD]

I agree with Jason about microalbumin being the first indicator of protein seeping thru the kidneys. In Canada, my doc says it is a good test to have done every 3 mos. for a type one diabetic.

There are many things that can be done to slowdown the progress of the disease and the sooner you start the better the results are.

SunniD

[Lorna]

I was having it done once a month initially, but they have now gone back to doing it once a year, cos of some new machine that is much more sensitive at detecting changes much earlier.

[Willow]

A friend of mine has protein in his water - is this a sign? What can be done?