Diabetes Urine Tests - Indicators of Kidney Disease or High Blood Sugar
Diabetes urine tests are often administered to people suffering from diabetes to examine the presence of related kidney disease or high blood sugar. Kidney problems can be seen in one out of five people suffering from diabetes. Diabetes urine tests measure the amount of protein in the patient's urine. The main protein in the blood known as albumin leaks into the urine and the diabetes urine tests are conducted to detect their presence. If found positive, the patient is given treatment to reduce the leakage without which the kidneys could be fatally damaged. However the kidney problems can be controlled with early and aggresive control on the level of blood sugar, blood pressure and of course, medication.
If a person is suffering from type two diabetes, it is advised that they undergo diabetes urine tests every year for detection of kidney disease. This is so because the diabetes is actually present in the body way before it is diagnosed. However for people with type one diabetes, this test is not done until after five years of diagnosis.
If the diabetes urine tests are positive, it means that your blood vessels to the kidney might be affected. There is also possibility of other blood vessels being affected, increasing the risk of heart disease. Hence your doctor may start medication immediately to reduce the extent of damage to the kidneys. If the levels of protein in the urine is exceptionally high, you may have to undergo more diabetes urine tests. Positive results in the test also necessitates extreme measures to control the level of blood sugar and blood pressure. The ideal level of blood pressure for those suffering from diabetes is less than 130/80. It is advisable to check your blood pressure every time you visit the office. Also, since the tests also prove that you are prone to heart disease, the doctor also tries to check other factors contributing to heart disease like cholestrol and other fats.
Diabetes urine tests are also conducted to ascertain whether there is high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. If the blood sugar level is extremely high, it produces substances known as ketones. Ketones are the leftovers in the process of fat burning in your body because of the absence of insulin. When there is high blood sugar and the body does not produce insulin or cannot utilize the insulin properly, it turns to the fat stores to create energy for the cells. Ketones can provide energy for many cells but high amount of this substance is toxic to the extent of being fatal. Ketone levels in your body can be determined through diabetes urine tests at home using a readymade kit or by your doctor.
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