Kidney damage

[WilsonEvolution]

I go back to the doctor tomorrow for my 1st yearly check-up. He said he is going to test for kidney damage. Is this from the diabetes or the medicine? Are there any visible signs of kidney damage that I could notice myself? What can they do if they find kidney damage? I am a little bit nervous.

[Cinnabon]

I take it you are newly diagnosed w/ Diabetes?
If you are, this is a normal routine for diabetics. So is seeing an Endo every 3 months and having an AIC done for your Blood sugar control for the past 3 months.

[Belinda]

My Endo checks my kidneys every year for damage....it is a lovely test of peeing in a jug for 24 hours and returning it to the doctor and some blood work

[am1977]

Try not to be nervous :afraid: . If this is your first checkup with your Endo since diagnosis, most likely the test will be a urine test :nurse: . It tests for microalbumin in your urine, or protein...which is the first sign of kidney damage. The kidneys work to filter and if the kidneys are working as they should theree shouldn't be any protein found. As for any symptoms of kidney damage...I'm not really sure. I think some do experience pain in the lower back area as a symptom, but I'm not sure of other signs :dontknow: . If they find any kidney damage, they probably will put you on an ACE inhibitor...which protects your kidneys and you probably will be put on a low protein diet . :eating:

I wouldn't worry too much. Usually kidney problems, if they occur, show up years and years after diagnosis and it's quite possible that you won't experience any damage if you keep good control. :top:

Take care and keep us posted. :wink:

[WilsonEvolution]

Thanks for the feedback guys. My doctor doesn't always explain everything. Can diarreha (sp?) be a side effect of Metformin?

[Peter Lee]

Thanks for the feedback guys. My doctor doesn't always explain everything. Can diarreha (sp?) be a side effect of Metformin?

Re. your question on kidney damage I agree with everyone else. One risk for us all is that the kidneys suffer damage through filtering large proteins. Your doctor seems to be doing the same routine tests that we all (should) have. I also have liver function tests, which monitor the effects of my particular medication.

diarhoea is most certainly a side effect of Metformin as are lose and soft stools and flatulence. The side effects are listed in the leaflet that comes with the tablets if you can get hold of one - or Google 'meformin side effects' or search this site where there have been previous threads on this. Or just ask your questions :hello:

If you are as lucky as I am these side effects will disappear as your body gets used to the Meformin. It took mine six months and I no longer have the gastro intestinal effects - even though they were severe when I first started - I just have a little gas.

Good luck