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Diabetic kidney disease

elie1102

elie1102

Active Member
Messages
26
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hello, my last hb1ac was 7.4
All my previous tests were below 7
I have been type 1 diabetic for 7 years.

My recent tests didn’t show any kidney problems but I am always worried about my kidneys. How long does it usually take to develop kidney disease with people with type 1 diabetes?

Thank you!
 
elie1102 said:
Hello, my last hb1ac was 7.4
All my previous tests were below 7
I have been type 1 diabetic for 7 years.

My recent tests didn’t show any kidney problems but I am always worried about my kidneys. How long does it usually take to develop kidney disease with people with type 1 diabetes?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
Hi @elie1102 After 14 years of Type 1, which had been poorly controlled mainly because of the lack of technology and knowledge between the years 1959 and 1973, I showed protein in urine. To put this in perspective, I was not given any treatment for this (other than being advised to keep my blood sugars down) until 2000. I was then put on hypertensive drugs and given a protein restricted diet. I never underwent dialysis, but had a kidney (and pancreas) transplant in 2013. I thought you might be reassured to know that it is possible, but not a given, that you can go for 54 years with Type 1 before true interference occurs. With modern medicine I guess it is significantly more. It all depends on the attitude and genetic make-up of the individual. I would strongly advise you not to stress about kidneys - they might never develop disease. The best of luck!
 
elie1102 said:
Hello, my last hb1ac was 7.4
All my previous tests were below 7
I have been type 1 diabetic for 7 years.

My recent tests didn’t show any kidney problems but I am always worried about my kidneys. How long does it usually take to develop kidney disease with people with type 1 diabetes?

Thank you!
Click to expand...

Hi there - Not everyone goes on to develop kidney disease, Elie.

I attended a presentation of Nephropathy about a month ago and I was utterly astonished by how many people in the UK have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease of one sort or another. The overriding message that came out of that presentation was (aside from that lots of "normal" people develop kidney disease) was that good blood sugar control is very important in staving the condition off. Similarly keeping the blood pressure in good range is a great help.

I'm sure there'll be plenty more people who will drop by later to contribute to your thread.
 
elie1102 said:
Hello, my last hb1ac was 7.4
All my previous tests were below 7
I have been type 1 diabetic for 7 years.

My recent tests didn’t show any kidney problems but I am always worried about my kidneys. How long does it usually take to develop kidney disease with people with type 1 diabetes?

Thank you!
Click to expand...
You should read Dr Bernstein's story. He was diagnosed T1 at the age of 12. 20 years later he was the first person to test his bg at home and invented the very low carb diet. This reversed his life threatening kidney disease and many other diabetic complications. He is now 83 and still caring for diabetic patients. His book is not cheap, but it is worth every penny. http://www.diabetes-book.com
 
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