Overview
If you have diabetes, you should see your healthcare provider every three to six months (or as instructed by your provider) to check your health. If your healthcare provider suspects you may have diabetes-related nephropathy, they may order tests.
What tests will be done to diagnose diabetes-related nephropathy?
The following tests help diagnose diabetes-related nephropathy:
Urinalysis
A urinalysis (urine test) examines the visual, chemical and microscopic aspects of your pee. Your provider will use a dipstick to conduct a urinalysis. Your healthcare provider may recommend a few different types of urinalysis tests.
To use a dipstick, you’ll pee into a special container at your healthcare provider’s office or a hospital. Then, a healthcare provider will place a strip of paper coated with special chemicals (dipstick) into the container. The dipstick will change color if protein (albumin) is in your pee.
If your healthcare provider needs a more precise measurement, they may recommend a urine protein test. To test for urine protein, your pee sample goes to a lab for testing. Lab technicians compare how much protein and creatinine are in your pee (protein-to-creatinine ratio). If your urine sample has a much higher ratio of protein to creatinine, it may indicate diabetes-related nephropathy.
Blood tests
An eGFR test calculates your kidneys’ ability to filter blood.
Your healthcare provider will use a thin needle (21 gauge, slightly smaller than the size of a standard earring) to withdraw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. Your healthcare provider then uses a formula, some of your general basic health information and the creatinine levels in your blood to determine your eGFR.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests can help your healthcare provider determine your kidneys’ health.
Ultrasounds are noninvasive imaging tests that can show the structure and size of your kidneys.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests and computed tomography (CT) scans help enhance the visibility of your blood vessels and blood supply to your kidneys.
Kidney biopsy
During a kidney biopsy, your healthcare provider will remove a small piece of your kidney tissue to examine at a lab under a microscope.
Your healthcare provider will first numb the area with a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. They’ll also give you a light sedative to help you relax. Then, they’ll insert a needle through your skin and into your kidney to collect the tissue sample.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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