If you have diabetes, frequent blood tests are probably a normal part of your life. We always keep an eye on our blood sugar levels. But did you know that your urine test can tell you a lot about your health, especially the health of your kidneys and whether your sugar levels are dangerously high? These are like warning signs from within our bodies. So today, let's talk about these two simple but very valuable urine tests.
Kidney health test
About a third of people with diabetes will eventually develop kidney problems. It is one of the most dangerous complications of diabetes. But the good news is that if we control our blood sugar and blood pressure well from the beginning, and if we take the medication prescribed by our doctor correctly, we can keep our kidneys healthy.
So, to identify early signs of kidney damage, your doctor may recommend a special urine test called a microalbuminuria test.
Simply put, albumin is the main protein in our blood. Healthy kidneys do not excrete this protein in the urine. Just like a tea strainer filters out tea, the kidneys retain this valuable protein in the body. But when the kidneys start to get damaged, like a hole in a filter, this albumin protein starts to leak into the urine. This small protein leak is what is detected by the ``Microalbuminuria`` test.
This is very important. Because at this point, you may not feel any symptoms. You may feel fine, without any problems. But the kidneys are already starting to be damaged from the inside. If you recognize this early, you can stop the damage from getting worse and leading to kidney failure.
When should this test be done?
- Once you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes , you should have this test once a year. This is because in Type 2 diabetes, blood sugar levels may have been elevated for years before the disease was diagnosed.
- If you have Type 1 diabetes , this test is usually started 5 years after the disease is diagnosed.
| What happens if the test result is positive? | |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Your kidneys are leaking protein. This is one of the first and most important signs that your kidneys are being damaged. |
| Doctor, what steps should I take? |
|
| Things you can do | Losing excess weight and completely quitting smoking are essential to protect the kidneys. |
The test that says sugar levels are dangerously high
This test is especially important for people with Type 1 diabetes . Your doctor may ask you to check your urine for ketones .
Think about it, our body's cells need a key called insulin to get energy. But when there is not enough insulin, the body has to find another way to make energy. Then the body burns the fat stored in the body to make energy. In this process, chemicals called "ketones" are produced as a byproduct.
Although these ketones are harmless in small amounts, they are toxic if they accumulate in large amounts. When they accumulate in the blood, they can cause a life-threatening emergency called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) .
So this ketone test is meant to give you a warning before you get to that dangerous state. This is a simple test that you can do at home. You can get test strips from the pharmacy by dipping them in your urine, watching the color change, and comparing the results with the color chart on the packet.
When should you test for ketones?
If you have Type 1 diabetes...
- If you get sick (like a fever or cold) and have nausea or vomiting.
- If you are pregnant .
- If your blood sugar level is higher than 300 mg/dL .
- If you have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as excessive thirst, excessive fatigue, a flushed face, a foggy mind, and a fruity smell on your breath.
- If your doctor advises you to do so.
If you have type 2 diabetes...
It is very rare for people with type 2 diabetes to develop high levels of ketones, even if they are taking insulin. However, it can occur in severe cases. Your doctor may want to check for:
- If you have a serious illness and unexplained nausea/vomiting.
- If your blood sugar level is above 300 mg/dL and continues to rise throughout the day.
When should you call the doctor immediately?
This is the most important part.
The result of a ketone test should always be negative. If the result is positive, meaning even a small amount is present, inform your doctor immediately . Don't delay.
Also, if your blood sugar continues to be high, you experience stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, a sweet smell to your breath, or excessive urination, tell your doctor immediately.
In such a case, the doctor may give the following advice:
- Drink plenty of water and fluids to reduce ketone levels and keep your body hydrated.
- Continue to check your blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar levels are high, you may be told to take a small dose of rapid-acting insulin.
- You may be advised to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) to receive intravenous fluids (saline) and insulin.
Finally, record the results of these urine tests you do at home in a notebook, along with the date and time. Take this notebook with you every time you see your doctor. It will help both you and your doctor get a clear picture of your health.
Take-Home Message
- Blood tests and urine tests are very important for someone with diabetes.
- Be sure to get the microalbuminuria test, which is used to check the health of your kidneys, done annually, as recommended by your doctor.
- If a urine test for ketones is positive, it is an emergency. Call your doctor immediately.
- You can protect your kidneys by controlling your blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol well.
- If you have any doubts or questions about any test results, talk to your doctor about it openly.
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