Right now 28,000 kidney patients nationwide are waiting for kidney transplants. There is a critical shortage of organ donors. Only half of those waiting for a life-saving transplant will receive one. Currently, the survival of kidneys transplanted into diabetic patients is about the same as survival of transplants in people without diabetes. Dialysis for diabetics also works well in the short run.
Good Care Makes a Difference.
The HbA1c test indicates the average blood sugar level for the previous 1-3 months. Follow the doctor's advice regarding insulin injections, medications, diet, exercise, and blood sugar monitoring. Check blood pressure readings several times a year. If the blood pressure is high, follow the doctor's plan for keeping it near normal levels. Ask your doctor whether you might benefit from receiving an ACE inhibitor.