What is the relationship between creatinine levels and diabetes? Creatinine is a natural by-product of normal muscle breakdown. When high creatinine levels and diabetes is present, it could be a sign of diabetic kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease, otherwise known as diabetic nephropathy, is caused by high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure.
There are several creatinine and diabetes tests that can help determine if a person is at risk of diabetic nephropathy. These tests can help your physician check for severe dehydration and check for the kidney problems that are caused by medications. Your physician will also be able to tell if your kidneys are working properly or if the condition of your kidney is changing. Creatinineand Diabetes kidney tests include:
A blood creatinine level test – This test shows checks the levels of creatinine in your system and determines how well your kidneys are working.
Creatinine clearance test – This test shows how well creatinine is being removed from your blood by the kidneys. As far as being able to tell how well your kidneys are working, the creatinine clearance test gives better results than the blood creatinine level test.
Blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio (BUN:creatinine) – Urea is a waste product that is made when a protein in your body is broken down. It is made in the liver and passed through your body via the urine. Similar to the othercreatinine and diabetes tests, this BUN test measures the amount of urea in your blood, and help your physician to tell how well your kidneys are working.
Creatinine Levels & Diabetes Treatment
If you have high creatinine levels and diabetes, treatment will first involve keeping your blood sugar levels under control. At this point your doctor may prescribe medicines which lower blood pressure. Most often prescribed are ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. These will help to protect your kidneys from further damage.
According to Health.NYtimes.com, getting regular exercise, eating a low-fat diet, and taking medications in order to control lipids will prevent or slow your kidney damage. It is also important to take your insulin and other medications as your doctor intends. You should check your blood sugar levels regularly and keep a record of them. It would be wise to consult with your doctor about how often you should check your blood sugar levels. To know the best steps for managing your blood sugar levels at home, you may also wish to find a diabetes educator.
