Private MD News

Few diabetics are aware of potential kidney complications

Category: Kidney Diseases

Diabetic patients may need to be better informed of the potential for renal complications and the need for regular kidney testing, as a new study from a team of UK researchers has found that few are aware that diabetes increases the risk of developing kidney disease.

Professors from the University of Bedfordshire surveyed 48 diabetic patients who had been referred to a renal specialist. They found that very few were aware of the connection between diabetes and kidney disease. In fact, the researchers said that receiving a positive kidney test for renal disease was the first time they were ever informed of the possibility of complications.

Gurch Randhawa, who led the investigations, said that the findings show that there is a dire need for doctors to explain in greater detail the possibility of complications that can occur if diabetics do not control their blood sugar levels.

"We believe this study highlights a serious need for more information about the risks that diabetics face from kidney disease," Randhawa said. "Our research shows that low awareness and lack of information about kidney problems are common."