Diabetes Often Leads To Chronic Kidney Disease

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - More than half the people with chronic kidney disease have diabetes. In 2008 diabetes accounted for 44% of new cases of kidney failure.

I bring this up because we are seeing a growing number of people who have diabetes and finding many cases in younger and younger people.

The problem is really related to what is called micro vascular risk - damage to the small blood vessels in the body.

One of the ways we test for this problem is using a urine sample and looking for something called microalbumuria. Risk factors include not only diabetes but high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cigarette smoking.

So what can you do about it? The key things are making sure that you follow up regularly with your doctor and keeping blood sugar, blood pressure and your weight under control.