quality reports : Clinical Quality


Quality Insights: Clinical Quality in Primary Care

Diabetes Care for Adults:
Tests to Monitor Kidney Disease

Healthcare quality measure: This measure looks at adult patients (ages 18 to 75), who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. This test is for people who do not have kidney disease. It shows the percent of patients who have had a microalbuminuria test for kidney disease within the past year.

Reasons for this measure: Diabetes is a serious disease. If it is not well controlled, diabetes can lead to kidney disease, vision (eye) problems, foot or leg amputations, or other health problems. Kidney disease damages the parts of the kidney that filter out waste from the body. Doctors need to test your kidneys to make sure they are working. A microalbuminuria test checks for kidney function.

Almost 21 million adults in the United States have diabetes.

Ways your doctor can help...

  • Teach you about diabetes. This includes ways you can control diabetes with food and exercise. It also includes early signs of diabetes complications (problems) that you should watch for.
  • Ask you to have a yearly microalbuminuria test (if you do not already have kidney disease). Your doctor might also want you to test your blood sugar and check your blood pressure.
  • Ask you to have eye exams and other tests to measure how well your diabetes is under control.
  • May prescribe medications. If so, your doctor will explain how these medications work and how to take them.
  • As needed, refer you to a dietician, diabetes educator, or medical specialist who can help in your diabetes care.

Ways you can help...

  • Make a diabetes plan with your doctor. This plan should include what foods to eat, how often to exercise, and when to have appointments.
  • Control your blood sugar. Eat the foods you are supposed to eat. This is one of the best ways you can control diabetes and prevent kidney disease.
  • Be active each day. This might include taking walks, going to a gym, or doing other types of exercise.
  • Get all the tests your doctor recommends. This includes a microalbuminuria test and other tests that measure how well your diabetes is under control.
  • Know that other diseases (such as high blood pressure) can make diabetes problems worse.
  • Go to the doctor at least once a year. Some people with diabetes see their doctors more often, maybe every 3 to 4 months. Make sure to keep all appointments, even when you are feeling well.

Ways to learn more...

Click here to search for your doctor's medical group results
or to compare measures across medical groups.

 

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