What are the signs of diabetic kidney disease?

None: Diabetes can hurt the kidneys and not be detectable on urine or blood test. In fact, studies have been done on diabetes patients who have normal kidney test, yet biopsies of these patients show damage. Diabetic retinopathy correlates with diabetic nephropathy. Studies have shown ace inhibitors to be protective of kidneys on both normotensive and hypertensive patients.

Don't wait: For signs. If you do not have any problems now make sure your doctor checks your microalbumen/creatinine ratio in a spot urine. Also have him/her start you on an ace or arb.