Diabetes and Kidney Failure: 5 Warning Signs & a Pharmacist’s Action Plan to Protect Your Kidneys

Quick Takeaways: Your Body’s Filter

• Silent Damage: Kidney disease often has no symptoms until it is advanced—early screening is key.

• The NSAID Danger: Common painkillers like Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve) can hurt kidneys. Avoid them!

• Blood Pressure is Key: High blood pressure destroys kidney filters. Controlling it is the #1 way to save your kidneys.

• Foamy Urine: If your toilet water looks foamy (like scrambled eggs), it means you are leaking protein. See a doctor.

Introduction: Why Your Kidneys Matter

Your kidneys are your body's filter. They clean your blood 24 hours a day. But diabetes can clog that filter. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.

At Broadway Care Pharmacy, we see many patients in East New York who don't realize their kidneys are in trouble until they end up on dialysis. We want to stop that.

5 Warning Signs Your Kidneys Are Stressed

Kidney damage is often silent, but watch out for these subtle signs:

1. Foamy Urine: Bubbles that don't go away when you flush indicate protein leakage.

2. Swollen Ankles/Feet: Your kidneys aren't removing extra fluid.

3. Puffy Eyes: Especially in the morning.

4. Frequent Urination at Night: You have to wake up multiple times to pee.

5. Metallic Taste in Mouth: A sign that waste products are building up in your blood.

The "Painkiller Trap" (A Must-Read!)

This is the most common mistake we see. You have a headache or knee pain, so you grab an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug) like Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve.

• The Danger: If you have diabetes, these drugs can cut off blood flow to your kidneys and cause permanent damage.

• The Pharmacist’s Advice: Stick to Tylenol (Acetaminophen) for pain, or ask us about safe topical creams. Always ask the pharmacist before taking any new OTC medicine.

How We Help You Fight Back

• Medication Review: We check your list to ensure no drugs are hurting your kidneys.

• Dosing Adjustments: If your kidney function changes, your Metformin or insulin dose might need to change. We work with your doctor to handle this.

• Supplements: Ask us about kidney-safe vitamins.

Don't wait for symptoms. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor for a "Microalbumin Urine Test" this year. It detects damage early when it can still be reversed.

Questions? Visit us at 1538 Pitkin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11212.