Individuals with diabetes are well-acquainted with assessments that monitor their condition. While many examine your blood, there are alternative assessments. Two straightforward tests that analyse your urine can assist you and your physician in monitoring for renal disease and significantly elevated blood glucose levels.
Assessments for Renal Pathology
Approximately one-third of individuals with diabetes experience renal complications. However, early and stringent management of blood glucose and blood pressure, together with assistance from specific drugs, can maintain optimal organ function.
Your physician can do a test to assess the protein levels in your urine, known as microalbuminuria, to identify potential issues. It manifests when minimal quantities of albumin, the principal protein in your blood, infiltrate your urine. In the absence of intervention to mitigate the leak, your kidneys may sustain damage and ultimately experience failure.
It is advisable to have this test annually commencing immediately upon diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar typically exists for several years prior to the diagnosis of the condition.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes are unlikely to get the test until five years’ post-diagnosis.
What Does a Positive Outcome Indicate?
A positive test indicates that your kidneys are excreting protein into your urine. This indicates that your kidneys are not functioning well, despite the absence of symptoms or a sense of well-being. Your physician will recommend pharmacological interventions or lifestyle modifications to manage these conditions:
Renal impairment. You may initiate certain medications to avert additional damage. If your microalbumin level is elevated, your physician may recommend an alternative test necessitating a 24-hour sample collection. This can more accurately assess the degree of renal injury and evaluate their functionality.
Elevated blood glucose levels. Research indicates that stringent regulation of blood glucose levels helps mitigate renal impairment; hence, your physician may prescribe more intensive therapies.
Blood pressure measurement. Reducing blood pressure diminishes the risk of kidney damage associated with diabetes. Has it examined on every office appointment? The advised blood pressure target for the majority of individuals with diabetes is below 130/80.
Lipid. Given that elevations in microalbuminuria over time are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, your physician will collaborate with you to maintain your cholesterol and lipid levels within a reasonable range.
Additional variables that may elevate the risk of renal disease include being overweight or obese and tobacco use.
Assessments for Elevated Blood Glucose Levels
If you have type 1 diabetes, your physician may request that you test your urine for ketones. Your body produces them when insulin levels are insufficient, utilising fat reserves to generate energy for cellular function. Excessive quantities of ketones are harmful. An excessive quantity might induce a life-threatening situation known as ketoacidosis.
What is the procedure for testing?
Your physician can assess ketone levels, or you may measure them at home using an over-the-counter kit. One merely immerses a test strip into one’s pee. The colour will vary, allowing you to compare it to a chart to interpret your reading.
When is the appropriate time for testing?
If you have type 1 diabetes, it may be necessary to test your urine for ketones if:
- You are experiencing illness (such as a cold or flu) accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
- You are expecting a child.
- Your blood glucose level exceeds 300 mg/dL.
- You exhibit symptoms of hyperglycemia, such as intense thirst or fatigue, a flushed or hazy sensation, or a fruity odour on your breath.
- The physician instructs you to.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes are unlikely to experience elevated ketone levels, even after administering insulin. However, it may occur during a critical illness. Your physician may instruct you to monitor your urine when:
- You are experiencing a cold, influenza, or another ailment, or you have inexplicable nausea or vomiting.
- Your blood glucose level exceeds 300 mg/dL and persists in increasing throughout the day.
When Should I Contact the Physician?
A urine test for ketones should consistently yield a negative result. Promptly inform your physician of a positive result. It is imperative to promptly inform them if your blood sugar remains elevated or if you experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, tachypnea, fruity-smelling breath, or increased urination.
The physician may advise you to:
- Consume plenty water and fluids to reduce ketone levels and maintain hydration.
- Persist in monitoring your blood glucose levels. If your levels are elevated, you may need to provide a modest dose of rapid-acting insulin.
- Proceed to the nearest emergency department to receive intravenous fluids and insulin.
How can I keep track of my results?
Keep complete records of any urine and ketone tests you do. These can assist you and your doctor identify any concerns. Bring them with you on all office visits.