How often should a diabetic check kidney function?

(Mr. Thai, 56 years old, residing in Long Binh Tan ward, Bien Hoa city)

Doctor replied:

Hello uncle!

For diabetic patients, regular kidney function testing is extremely important to detect complications early and have timely intervention measures. I would like to share specifically as follows:

For people with diabetes, kidney function should be tested at least once a year (earlier if there are abnormalities in kidney function or morphology).

First is blood test (Creatinine/Blood urea) to estimate kidney filtration rate for segmentation; Second: proteinuria (more accurate is ACR proteinuria/creatinineuria index); Third: kidney ultrasound.

What is stage 1 kidney failure? Stage 1 kidney failure: Estimated glomerular filtration rate >=90ml/min/1.73m2 of skin AND must have ACR >=30mg/g (or ultrasound suggests renal parenchymal disease).

Regarding treatment, the most important thing is to treat the underlying disease well (high blood pressure/type 2 diabetes), use kidney-protective drugs, drink enough water, reduce salt (salt, fish sauce) in the diet, increase vegetables, exercise, limit functional foods of unknown origin, and consult a doctor if you are taking additional medications to treat other diseases.

In case of diagnosis of stage 1 chronic kidney disease, monitor kidney function every 6-12 hours or sooner if urine test shows high protein, ACR > 300mg/g (usually 3-4 months).

Dr. Vo Ngoc Chuong,

Internal Medicine, Ai Nghia Medical System