Dialysis and Transplantation
When the function of the kidneys has reached stage five, only two options are available - dialysis or kidney transplant.

Dialysis: The process by which, when kidneys fail, blood is purified by a machine is called dialysis. A tube connecting to an artificial kidney machine is inserted into an artery. The blood flows into the machine and is purified by an osmotic process. The purified blood is passed back into the body. Dialysis for diabetics with kidney failure works well for a time. But if there are problems in the other parts of the body such as the heart or nerves, it increases morbidity and mortality.

Transplant:Till recently diabetics were not considered for kidney transplants because increased blood glucose levels would lead to complications and survival rates were poor.

Today however, the prospects have improved as better control of diabetes is possible and rates of survival after transplants have improved.

Slowing down the pace of deterioration
The following steps help in the process of slowing down the progress of kidney disease in diabetics:

• Blood glucose control is most essential.
• Monitoring through both blood tests (for creatinine) and urine tests (for micro albumin and proteins).
• Controlling Hypertension by medication.
• Low protein diets are advised if a diabetic also has kidney disease.