Kidney Disease and Diabetes Quiz
1. Which of the following explains the correlation between diabetes and kidney disease?
a. The excess sugar in the blood causes the kidneys to shrivel
b. The excess sugar clogs the arteries of the kidneys
c. The blood vessels of the kidneys are injured
d. The kidneys wear out from trying to process food and eventually fail
2. Which of the following is not a result of kidney disease?
a. The kidneys are unable to clean your blood correctly and waste products build up
b. You retain water and salt, which leads to weight gain and swelling
c. You are not able to metabolize carbohydrates
d. You “spill” protein in your urine
3. Diabetes can cause difficulty urinating.
a. True
b. False
4. What percentage of people with diabetes will develop kidney failure?
a. 50%–60% of people with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes
b. 20% of people with type 1 diabetes and 60%–70% of people with type 2 diabetes
c. 10%–15% of people with type 1 diabetes and 5% of people with type 2 diabetes
d. 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and 10%–40% of people with type 2 diabetes
5. Which of the following is not an early sign of kidney failure?
a. Weight gain and ankle swelling
b. Craving sweet foods
c. Using the bathroom more often at night
d. High blood pressure
6. Which of the following is not a late symptom of kidney disease?
a. Morning sickness, nausea, and vomiting
b. Weakness and paleness from anemia
c. Sore throat and dry eye
d. High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels in your blood
7. You may need less insulin in late kidney disease.
a. True
b. False
8. Which of the following will not help to slow the progression of kidney disease?
a. Lowering your cholesterol level
b. Achieving good blood glucose control
c. Treating any urinary tract infections
d. Avoiding certain medications that can stress the kidneys
9. What is the usual length of time between onset of diabetic kidney injury and kidney
failure?
a. 1–3 years
b. 4–6 years
c. 5–7 years
d. 8–10 years
10. Which of the following may help to slow the progression of kidney damage?
a. A high-protein diet, such as Atkins
b. A low-fat diet
c. A large amount of green, leafy vegetables
d. A low-protein diet
Answers
1. c. The blood vessels of the kidneys are injured
Diabetes causes blood vessel damage throughout the body, including in the kidneys.
2. c. You are not able to metabolize carbohydrates
Kidney disease does not change how you metabolize carbohydrates.
3. a. True
Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which leads to difficulty emptying the bladder. The
increased pressure can injure the kidneys.
4. d. 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and 10%–40% of people with type 2 diabetes
Roughly 30% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 10%–40% of those with type 2
diabetes will have kidney failure.
5. b. Craving sweet foods
Early signs of kidney disease include increased urination at night, high blood
pressure, weight gain and ankle swelling, and increased albumin (a protein) in your
urine (urine test at the doctor).
6. c. Sore throat and dry eye
Late signs of kidney disease include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness,
exhaustion, itching, muscle cramps, and anemia.
7. a. True
Diseased kidneys cause less breakdown of insulin.
8. a. Lowering your cholesterol level
Lowering your cholesterol level is a good idea if it is high, but this will not help your
kidneys.
9. c. 5–7 years
The average span of time between the onset of diabetic kidney injury and kidney
failure is around 5–7 years.
10. d. A low-protein diet
A low-protein diet can help to slow the progression of kidney disease. Talk to your
physician and a registered dietitian for more information.
Reference and recommended reading
National Kidney Foundation®. Diabetes and kidney disease. Available at:
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/diabetes.cfm. Accessed July 6, 2012.
Contributed by Elaine Koontz, RD, LD/N
Review Date 7/12
D-0597