Diabetic Nephropathy

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic uses several diagnostic tests to identify diabetic nephropathy. These include:

• Blood tests — Patients undergo blood tests to access diabetes management and the level of kidney function
• Urinalysis — Patients submit a urine sample for laboratory analysis. Test results provide the health care team with important information about the level of kidney function and whether there are high levels of red blood cells and protein in the urine.
• Renal imaging — Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate the circulation of the blood within the kidney. X-rays may also be used to detect any structural abnormalities in the kidney.
• Renal function testing — Assessment of the patient's kidney filtering function is completed using state-of-the-art renal analysis testing.
• Kidney biopsy — For this procedure, a needle is used to extract small pieces of kidney tissue for examination. Kidney biopsies are preformed in the radiology clinic under ultrasound guidance.
• Urology evaluation — Patients may also receive a urology evaluation to identify other causes of kidney failure.