Do You Know?

• Your kidneys act as a filter. They take waste from the blood and get rid of that waste in the urine.
• High blood pressure and high blood sugar can damage your kidneys.
• Having diabetes puts you at risk for kidney disease.

What Can You Do to Help Prevent Kidney Disease?

• Have your blood pressure and blood sugar levels checked regularly.
• Get a yearly urine microalbumin test. Have your doctor order this simple test. It checks for protein in your urine and can tell how well your kidneys are working.
• Get your blood pressure checked at every doctor’s visit. Your blood pressure level should be less than 130/80 mm Hg.
• Keep your HbA1C level at 7 percent or less.
• Your blood sugar level before you eat should be less than 130 mg/dl.
• Your blood sugar two hours after your meal should be less than 180 mg/dl.
• Talk to your primary care provider about any medicine you need to protect your kidneys.

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Member Services toll-free at 1-800-682-9090 (TTY 711), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.