Diabetic Kidneys

Urine tests are often given to people with diabetes to check for diabetes-related kidney disease and severe hyperglycemia.

Urine Tests for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney problems occur in about 20% to 40% of all people with diabetes. However, with early and intensive control of blood sugars, blood pressure, and the use of certain medications, the development and the progression of kidney problems can be slowed.

To check for kidney problems, your health care provider can perform a urine test that measures the amount of protein in your urine, called microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria occurs when small amounts of albumin (the main protein in your blood) leak into your urine. Without treatment to slow the leakage of protein, the kidneys may continue to be damaged and eventually fail, leading to kidney dialysis.

This test should be performed every year starting when you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is because diabetes is actually present many years before the diagnosis.

If you have type 1 diabetes, this test often isn’t performed until you’ve had the diagnosis for five years.