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Diabetic Nephropathy - Exams and Tests
Diabetic nephropathy is diagnosed using tests that check for a protein (albumin) in the urine, which is an indicator of kidney damage. Your urine will be checked for protein (urinalysis) when you are diagnosed with diabetes.
Microalbumin urine tests can detect very small amounts of protein in the urine that cannot be detected by a routine urine test, allowing early detection of nephropathy. Early detection is important, to prevent further damage to the kidneys. The results of two tests, done within a 3- to 6-month period, are needed to diagnose nephropathy.
When to begin checking for protein in the urine depends on the type of diabetes you have. After testing begins, it should be done every year.1
| Type of diabetes | When to begin yearly testing |
|---|---|
|
After you have had diabetes for 5 years |
|
|
When you are diagnosed with diabetes |
|
|
Diabetes present during childhood |
At puberty |
A microalbuminuria dipstick test is a simple test that can detect small amounts of protein in the urine (microalbuminuria, also called proteinuria). The strip changes color if protein is present, providing an estimate of the amount of protein. A spot urine test for microalbuminuria is a more precise laboratory test that can measure the exact amount of protein in a urine sample. Either of these tests may be used to test your urine for protein.
You will also have a creatinine test done every year. The creatinine test is a blood test that shows how well your kidneys are working.
If your doctor suspects that the protein in your urine may be caused by a disease other than diabetes, other blood and urine tests may be done. You may have a small sample of kidney tissue removed and examined (kidney biopsy).
Other tests
It is important to check your blood pressure regularly, both at home and in your doctor's office, because blood pressure rises as kidney damage progresses. About one-third of people with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure at the time diabetes is diagnosed. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target blood pressure of less than 130/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).1 The level recommended by other organizations may vary. Talk with your doctor about what your target blood pressure level should be. Keeping your blood pressure at or below this target can prevent or slow kidney damage.
Blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides also should be checked regularly to see whether diabetes, nephrotic syndrome, or other factors are raising your blood cholesterol level. High cholesterol can increase the risk of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), possibly leading to heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and stroke.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Diabetic Nephropathy Topics
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
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