Many complications can arise from diabetes, and kidney disease is one of them. The kidneys are necessary organs, designed to filter waste from your blood.

When you have diabetes, the kidneys are forced to filter too much blood, because of the high level of sugar in the system. The kidneys have to essentially work overtime -- all of the time. Just as machines wear out with extended use, the kidneys can wear out, too.

If you have diabetes, you and your doctor will both be on the lookout for symptoms of kidney disease. This is why it is important to schedule and keep regular doctor's appointments when you are diabetic. Kidney disease that is caught early can be better treated. You and your doctor should be on the lookout for fluid retention, a change in sleep patterns, loss of appetite, stomach problems, feeling weak, or having trouble concentrating.

If kidney disease develops, your doctor will most likely recommend a low-protein diet. Note, however, that a low-protein diet can bring on other problems, so never restrict yourself to a low-protein diet unless it is advised by your physician, so that your overall health can be closely monitored.

If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant -- or both. You may need dialysis until a kidney can be found for you. Dialysis comes in two forms -- hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. With hemodialysis, blood is essentially removed from the body, cleaned, and returned to the body. This is done two or three days each week, and takes approximately three to five hours. Peritoneal dialysis is less common, and the lining of the abdomen is used to filter blood, instead of the kidneys.

The way to avoid kidney disease, and essentially kidney failure, is to keep your weight down, and your blood sugar level in check. Make sure that you follow the diet guidelines that your doctor has set for you, and that you are getting plenty of exercise. Also, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water.

Proper foot care is essential for people who have diabetes. Diabetes has an affect on nerves and circulation, and this can lead to problems that result in amputation of the foot or lower leg. You can avoid this with proper foot care.

You must inspect your feet every single day. Look for cuts, scratches, abrasions, dry skin, blisters, and bruising. If you spot any of these things on your feet, contact your doctor for treatment. Because there can be nerve damage with diabetes, you cannot assume that there is no damage to your feet without looking them over. You can be injured without realizing it.

Wash your feet and dry them well every day. After drying the feet, coat them with petroleum jelly, and put socks and shoes on. Avoid putting any type of oil or cream between your toes, as this moisture can infect your feet. Do not soak your feet -- no matter how good it feels. This leads to dry skin.

Calluses and corns should be removed. Do not try to remove them yourself. Instead, seek treatment from your doctor. He knows how serious such things are for diabetics, and he will help you to care for your feet properly. Each time you visit your doctor -- for any reason -- remove your shoes and socks, so that the doctor can check your feet.

If you smoke, stop immediately! Smoking causes the blood vessels to shrink, which in turn means that proper circulation is not getting to the feet. This can lead to amputation. Also, nerve damage can lead to a change in the shape of the foot. Ask your doctor about special shoes.

Keep your toenails trimmed and neat. Long toenails can cause problems, and can even become easily infected. Avoid walking around without shoes, and try to avoid open-toed shoes, such as flip-flops, as well. A closed shoe will protect your feet better. Never wear shoes that do not fit well, as this can result in blisters. Before putting your feet in water, test the water with your hand or elbow. The water may be too hot -- but your feet won't know that.

Finally, try to keep the blood circulating. When you sit, don't sit with your feet tucked under you. Instead, put them flat on the floor, or prop them up in front of you. Make sure that you move your toes fairly often, as this encourages blood flow.