Are you one of the approximately 124,000* people in Utah living with diabetes? Most people with diabetes are aware of the importance of checking blood sugar levels regularly to prevent complications of this disease.  Unfortunately, many are unaware that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney damage. 

 

Are you one of the approximately 17,000** Mexican American or Hispanic people in Utah living with diabetes? According to a national examination survey, Mexican Americans are twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be diagnosed with diabetes. They have higher rates of end-stage renal disease, caused by diabetes, and they are 50% more likely to die from diabetes as non-Hispanic whites (Office of Minority Health).

 

What causes kidney disease?  Kidney disease happens when the blood vessels are damaged and the kidneys can no longer clean the poisons out of your blood.  High blood sugar levels make the kidneys work harder, but if the levels return to normal, the kidneys return to normal function.  If blood sugar levels are too high for a long period of time, the kidneys can be permanently harmed.  Since the kidneys help to regulate blood pressure, people with diabetes and kidney damage also tend to have high blood pressure.  If high blood pressure is not controlled, more damage is caused to the kidneys.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney disease?  There are no signs or symptoms until your kidneys are about to fail.  This is why kidney disease is called the Silent Killer.  You are at risk for kidney disease if:

· You have diabetes

· You have high blood pressure

· You have a family member who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease

· You are African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or Native American

You are a Senior Citizen

 

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