About 30 to 40 percent of people with Type I diabetes, and 20 to 30 percent of those with Type 2 diabetes, will ultimately develop moderate to advanced kidney disease.

After a number of years, high blood glucose can cause the kidneys -- which t help clean waste products from your blood -- to stop working. This condition is called kidney failure.

If your kidneys stop working, you'll need dialysis (using a machine or special fluids to clean your blood) or a kidney transplant.

Have a urine test once a year for signs of kidney damage. The test measures how much protein is in your urine. A blood pressure medicine (called an ACE inhibitor) can help prevent kidney damage. Ask your doctor whether this medicine could help you. Other ways to help prevent kidney problems are to

• Take your medicine if you have high blood pressure.
• Ask your doctor or your dietitian whether you should eat less meat, cheese, milk, and fish or fewer eggs.
• See your doctor right away if you get a bladder or kidney infection. Signs of bladder or kidney infections are cloudy or bloody urine, pain or burning when you urinate, and having to urinate often or in a hurry. Back pain, chills, and fever are also signs of kidney infection.
• Keep your blood glucose and blood pressure as close to normal as possible.
• If you smoke, quit.