I am very familiar with type 1 diabetes. My dad was diagnosed when I was 7, so I grew up alongside it. I knew our pantry was full of whole grains and healthier options. I knew he always had something on his arm. I knew to grab something sugary if he went low. I knew that sometimes when he was irritable, it wasn’t anyone’s fault. I was used to the periodic beeps and alarms.
October 17, 2016, marked the beginning of a challenge that has forever shaped who I am. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at nearly 8 years old. I have always been told I was quite mature for my age with admirable dedication. Balancing an autoimmune disease with the everyday struggles of school, sports, and a social life taught me that perseverance was no longer a choice, but a necessity.
Taking care of your kidneys and understanding how they’re working is a part of managing diabetes. Because you can have kidney disease without warning signs, getting checked for kidney problems is your most powerful tool to catch them early so you can take steps to protect your health. Our healthcare experts will answer your questions and help you learn why managing your blood glucose (blood sugar) and blood pressure matters, what tests tell you if you have kidney problems, and how you can take active, simple steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy.
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