What do my kidneys do?
The kidneys act as filters to clean the blood. They get rid of waste and extra fluid. The tiny filters throughout the kidneys are called glomeruli (gloh-MEHR-yoo-lie).

When kidneys are healthy, the artery (AR-ter-ee) brings blood and waste from the bloodstream into the kidney. The glomeruli clean the blood. Then waste and extra fluid go out into the urine through the ureter. Clean blood goes out of the kidney and back into the bloodstream through the vein.

How can I prevent diabetes kidney problems?

o Keep your blood glucose as close to normal as you can. Ask your doctor what blood glucose numbers are healthy for you.

o Keep your blood pressure below 130/80 to help prevent kidney damage. Blood pressure is written with two numbers separated by a slash. For example: 120/70.

Ask your doctor what numbers are best for you. If you take blood pressure pills, take them as your doctor tells you. Keeping your blood pressure under control will also slow damage to your eyes, heart, and blood vessels.

o If needed, take blood pressure pills that can also slow down kidney damage. Two kinds of pills can help:

     o ACE (angiotensin [an-gee-oh-TEN-sin] converting enzyme) inhibitor (in-HIB-it-ur)

     o ARB (angiotensin receptor blocker)

o Follow the healthy eating plan you work out with your doctor or dietitian. If you already have kidney problems, your dietitian may suggest that you cut back on protein, such as meat.

o Have your kidneys checked at least once a year by having your urine tested for small amounts of protein.

o Pills can help you control your blood pressure and slow down kidney damage.

o Have any other kidney tests that your doctor thinks you need.

o See a doctor for bladder or kidney infections right away. You may have an infection if you have these symptoms:

    o pain or burning when you urinate
    o frequent urge to go to the bathroom
    o urine that looks cloudy or reddish
    o fever or a shaky feeling
    o pain in your back or on your side below your ribs