As someone with chronic kidney disease, you still have some kidney function. Your goal is to preserve that function as long as possible—and prevent damage to your eyes, nerves, blood vessels, and heart. Here are some things you can do:

• The single most vital thing you can do for your kidneys is to keep your blood sugar under control. Test your fasting and after-meals blood sugar.
• High blood pressure adds to the kidney damage diabetes can cause. Take all your blood pressure pills as prescribed, and check your blood pressure.
• Blood pressure pills called ACE inhibitors or ARBs can protect kidney function in people with diabetes. Ask your doctor if one of these is right for you.
• Have a urine test for microalbuminuria (microscopic amounts of protein) once a year. This test can detect early kidney disease, which may be easier to slow down.

To learn more about diabetes and kidney disease, visit the American Diabetes Association or ask your health care team for help.