Ulta Lab Tests

Diabetes with Chronic Kidney Disease

Diabetes with chronic kidney disease (CKD) needs a lab strategy that watches blood sugar and kidney function at the same time. A proactive plan starts with eGFR/creatinine to track filtering, urine albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) to detect early kidney damage, and A1c for long-term glucose control. Because A1c can be less reliable in advanced CKD or anemia, your clinician may add fructosamine or glycated albumin for shorter-term feedback. Safety labs—potassium, bicarbonate (CO2), sodium, calcium/phosphate, liver tests—help monitor medicines and metabolic balance.

Lab testing can identify kidney stress early, guide follow-up timing, and build a clear baseline for trends. Testing cannot manage diabetes or CKD by itself, replace a clinician’s exam, or provide treatment advice. Use results with your history, home readings or CGM (if used), and scheduled visits.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Possible high glucose: thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing cuts.

  • Kidney clues: swelling in legs or around eyes, foamy urine, rising blood pressure, nighttime urination.

  • Electrolyte issues: muscle weakness or irregular heartbeat (possible high potassium).

  • Anemia signs: shortness of breath with exertion, pale skin, low energy.

  • Bone–mineral symptoms (advanced CKD): bone pain or itching.

  • When to seek urgent care: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, vomiting with rapid breathing (possible ketoacidosis), or weakness/arrhythmia with suspected high potassium.
    All symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect albuminuria and falling eGFR early to prompt closer follow-up.

  • Track short- and long-term glucose control and verify when A1c may be unreliable.

  • Monitor electrolytes, acid–base status, and bone–mineral balance that change with CKD.

  • Screen for anemia of CKD and assess cardiovascular risk.

What testing cannot do

  • Replace medical evaluation or guideline eye/foot/heart exams.

  • Explain every change in numbers—hydration, illness, medicines, and timing matter.

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • eGFR & Creatinine (Kidney Filtering): gauges kidney function stage (G1–G5). Caveat: trend over time; consider cystatin C for confirmation when needed.

  • Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (uACR): detects albumin loss (A1 <30 mg/g; A2 30–300; A3 >300). Caveat:confirm persistence with repeat tests.

  • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) / Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP): potassium, sodium, bicarbonate (CO2), chloride, glucose, creatinine. Caveat: potassium and CO2 guide safety and acid–base status.

  • A1c (2–3-month average): long-term control. Caveat: less reliable with anemia, EPO use, hemoglobin variants, or advanced CKD.

  • Fructosamine or Glycated Albumin (2–3-week average): short-term control or A1c alternative. Caveat: affected by low albumin, thyroid disease, or protein loss.

  • Fasting / Post-Meal Glucose: “today” control and after-meal spikes. Caveat: follow timing and prep.

  • Lipid Panel: LDL, HDL, triglycerides for heart risk. Caveat: be consistent with fasting status.

  • CBC (Hemoglobin/Hematocrit): checks for anemia of CKD. Caveat: interpret with iron studies.

  • Iron Panel (Ferritin, Transferrin Saturation): iron status in CKD anemia work-ups. Caveat: ferritin rises with inflammation.

  • Calcium, Phosphate, Intact PTH, 25-OH Vitamin D: bone–mineral balance in CKD. Caveat: use as a group to understand trends.

  • Urinalysis (± Protein/Creatinine Ratio): complements uACR with sediment and protein data. Caveat: acute illness can transiently change results.

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Start with a CKD-aware set: eGFR/creatinine + uACR + CMP/BMP + A1c; add lipids and CBC/iron for risk and anemia.

  2. Collect samples: standard blood draw and a spot urine for uACR (follow any fasting instructions).

  3. View results securely: most labs post within a few days to your online account.

  4. Review with your clinician: align labs with home readings/CGM, blood pressure, and medicines; decide next steps.

  5. Monitor trends: repeat at agreed intervals to track both kidney and glucose control.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • eGFR: watch direction and pace of change; a steady decline needs closer follow-up.

  • uACR: persistent A2–A3 albuminuria signals higher risk; confirm with repeat testing.

  • A1c vs. reality: if A1c and home/CGM data disagree, consider fructosamine/glycated albumin and review anemia/variants.

  • Potassium/CO2: rising potassium or low bicarbonate merits prompt clinician review.

  • Bone–mineral: rising PTH with phosphate changes suggests mineral imbalance.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Baseline in diabetes with CKD: eGFR/creatinine + uACR + CMP/BMP + A1c + lipid panel + CBC/iron.

  • If A1c is unreliable or rapid changes are expected: add fructosamine or glycated albumin, plus post-meal glucose when spikes are suspected.

  • If electrolytes or acid–base shift: repeat BMP and consider medication review with your clinician.

  • For bone–mineral evaluation (progressive CKD): add calcium, phosphate, PTH, 25-OH vitamin D.

  • For persistent proteinuria or atypical findings: add urinalysis ± protein/creatinine ratio and discuss further work-up.

FAQs

How often should I check kidney labs if I have diabetes?
Your clinician sets the schedule; many people repeat eGFR/creatinine and uACR at regular intervals based on CKD stage and albuminuria.

Is A1c reliable in CKD?
It can be less reliable with anemia, EPO use, or advanced CKD. Fructosamine or glycated albumin can add context.

Which labs warn about dangerous potassium levels?
The BMP reports potassium and bicarbonate (CO2); abnormal values need prompt review.

Do I need urine tests if my eGFR is okay?
Yes. uACR can reveal early kidney damage even when eGFR is normal.

What labs look at bone and mineral balance in CKD?
Calcium, phosphate, PTH, and 25-OH vitamin D together show trends in mineral metabolism.

Can dehydration or illness change my kidney results?
Yes. Hydration, infections, and medicines can shift creatinine, uACR, and electrolytes—share recent events with your clinician.

Internal Links & Cross-References

  • Diabetes Tests Hub

  • Diabetes Management

  •  Blood Sugar Monitoring

  • Kidney Health (Microalbumin)

  • Lipid Panel & Heart Risk

  • A1c Testing

  • Key Lab Tests: eGFR/Creatinine • Urine Albumin/Creatinine Ratio • CMP/BMP (Potassium, CO2) • A1c • Fructosamine • Glycated Albumin • Lipid Panel • CBC • Ferritin/Transferrin Saturation • Calcium • Phosphate • Intact PTH • Vitamin D • Urinalysis

References

  1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes—Chronic Kidney Disease.

  2. Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of CKD.

  3. KDIGO. 2022 Guideline for Diabetes Management in CKD.

  4. National Kidney Foundation (KDOQI). Albuminuria and GFR Categories—Risk Stratification.

  5. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. CKD Basics and Diabetes & Kidney Disease.

  6. National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program. Factors That Interfere With HbA1c Results.

  7. International Federation of Clinical Chemistry. Harmonization of Cystatin C and eGFR Estimation.

  8. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Lipid Management Guidance for High-Risk Patients.

Available Tests & Panels

Your diabetes-with-CKD test menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with eGFR/creatinine, uACR, CMP/BMP, and A1c, then add fructosamine/glycated albumin when A1c is unreliable, plus lipids, CBC/iron, and bone–mineral markers as advised. Use filters to compare individual markers and bundled panels, and review all results with your clinician.

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The Albumin Random Urine Test measures the amount of albumin, a protein that can leak into urine when the kidneys are damaged. Elevated levels may indicate early kidney disease, often linked to diabetes, hypertension, or other chronic conditions. Doctors use this test to detect albuminuria, monitor kidney function, and guide treatment strategies. A random urine sample makes it a convenient tool for screening and long-term kidney health assessment.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Albumin Test, Random Microalbumin Test
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The Albumin Random Urine Test with Creatinine measures albumin and creatinine levels in a urine sample to evaluate kidney health. Elevated albumin (microalbuminuria) may indicate early kidney disease, diabetes complications, or hypertension-related damage. Doctors use this test to detect kidney problems before symptoms appear, monitor chronic conditions, and guide treatment. It provides vital insight into renal function and long-term kidney disease management.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Albumin Test, Random Microalbumin Test, uACR Test
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The Albumin Timed Urine Test measures albumin levels excreted during a set time period to evaluate kidney function and detect early protein loss. Elevated results may indicate diabetic nephropathy, hypertension-related damage, or glomerular disease. This test supports monitoring of renal health, guiding detection of microalbuminuria and helping assess risks of chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular complications.

Urine
Urine Collection
Also Known As: Urine Albumin Test, Timed Microalbumin Test
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The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Test measures how long it takes blood to clot, evaluating clotting factors and overall coagulation function. Abnormal results may indicate bleeding disorders, hemophilia, liver disease, or clotting factor deficiencies. Doctors also use this test to monitor patients on heparin therapy. Results provide essential insight into blood clotting, bleeding risk, and treatment management for safe medical care.

Blood
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Also Known As: aPTT Test, PTT Test
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The Phosphate (as Phosphorus) Test measures phosphorus levels in blood to evaluate bone strength, energy metabolism, and kidney health. Abnormal levels may indicate kidney disease, vitamin D imbalance, parathyroid disorders, or malnutrition. Doctors order this test to investigate fatigue, muscle weakness, or bone problems and to monitor conditions like chronic kidney disease. It provides key insight into metabolic, endocrine, and bone health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Phosphate Test, Phosphorus Test, PO4 Test
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The Potassium Test measures potassium levels in blood to evaluate electrolyte balance, kidney function, and overall metabolic health. Abnormal results may indicate dehydration, kidney disease, adrenal disorders, or complications from certain medications. Doctors order this test for patients with weakness, irregular heartbeat, or high blood pressure. Results help diagnose hyperkalemia or hypokalemia and guide treatment to restore proper heart and muscle function.

Blood
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Also Known As: K Test
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The Prothrombin Time with INR Test measures how long it takes blood to clot and calculates the international normalized ratio (INR) for accuracy. It is commonly used to monitor patients on blood-thinning medications like warfarin and to evaluate bleeding disorders, liver disease, or vitamin K deficiency. Doctors order this test to investigate easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or prolonged bleeding and to ensure safe and effective anticoagulant therapy.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: PT with INR Test
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The Trimethylamine N-Oxide (TMAO) Test measures TMAO levels in blood to assess cardiovascular and metabolic risk. TMAO is produced when gut bacteria metabolize nutrients like choline, carnitine, and betaine from foods such as red meat and eggs. Elevated levels are linked to heart disease, stroke, kidney dysfunction, and metabolic disorders. Doctors order this test to evaluate cardiovascular risk and guide lifestyle, diet, or treatment strategies.

Blood
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Also Known As: Trimethylamine N-Oxide Test
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The QuestAssureD™ Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy Total Test measures Vitamin D2, Vitamin D3, and total 25-hydroxy vitamin D to assess overall vitamin D status. Adequate vitamin D supports bone strength, calcium absorption, immune health, and muscle function. Low levels may cause osteoporosis, weakness, or increased disease risk, while high levels can indicate toxicity. Doctors use this test to diagnose deficiency, monitor supplementation, and evaluate metabolic and endocrine health.

Blood
Blood Draw
Also Known As: Vitamin D Test, Ergocalciferol Test, Vitamin D2 Test, Cholecalciferol Test, Vitamin D3 Test, Calcidiol Test, 25-hydroxyvitamin D Test, Calcifidiol Test, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D Test, Vitamin D Total Test
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The 1,5-Anhydroglucitol Intermediate Glycemic Control Test measures short- to mid-term blood sugar stability, offering an advanced indicator of daily glucose control and metabolic health. It bridges the gap between fasting glucose and HbA1c results, helping identify hidden glucose spikes that affect insulin function, diabetes management, and long-term health outcomes.

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Blood Draw
Also Known As: 1,5-AG Test
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 The C-Peptide 24-Hour Urine test is a diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of C-peptide in a person's urine over a 24-hour period. C-peptide is a byproduct of insulin production by the pancreas and serves as an indicator of insulin secretion. This test provides valuable insights into the functioning of the pancreas and helps healthcare providers assess insulin production and glucose metabolism.
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What Is Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease?

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. More than 247,000 people are currently living with kidney failure that resulted from diabetes.

Diabetes is categorized by high levels of sugar in the blood. One of the long-term side effects of these changes in the cardiovascular system is the destruction of small blood vessels throughout the body. Unfortunately, this leads to kidney damage which can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

Diabetes with chronic kidney disease is nothing small. Patients with both conditions have to have a physician monitor them regularly. If you're a diabetic who isn't getting regular testing, you could have kidney problems and not know.

To learn more, keep reading.

What Is Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease?

As stated before, diabetes with chronic kidney disease (also known as diabetic nephropathy) is the manifestation of chronic kidney disease that stems from diabetes. It should be noted that you can develop chronic kidney disease whether you have controlled or uncontrolled diabetes.

The damage to your small blood vessels can still happen even if you're within optimal ranges. However, keeping your diabetes controlled can reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Risk Factors for Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease

The number one risk factor for chronic kidney disease is having diabetes, either type one or type two. With this, there are a few other risk factors to consider:

  • High blood sugar that is not controlled
  • High blood pressure that is not controlled
  • Smoking
  • High cholesterol

Lastly, patients with a family history of diabetes with chronic kidney disease are more likely to develop the conditions themselves.

Causes of Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease

As mentioned earlier, diabetes could cause damage to the blood vessels that cluster in your kidneys. These blood vessels are responsible for filtering all of the waste from the blood in your body. Therefore, if these blood vessels become damaged, this can lead to decreased kidney function and even kidney failure.

Chronic kidney disease is a common complication of both type one and type two diabetes.

Poorly controlled diabetes is more likely to lead to this complication than well-controlled diabetes. However, anyone with diabetes could develop the condition.

Too much sugar in the blood could cause kidney damage and lead to high blood pressure. This leads to even more complications as high blood pressure can lead to more kidney damage. This cycle happens repeatedly as high blood pressure leads to kidney damage which leads to high blood pressure.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease?

The early stages of diabetic nephropathy don't come with any signs or symptoms. You could be developing chronic kidney disease and not know it until you're in the latter stages of development. This is why it's so important to get kidney lab tests done regularly, especially if you have diabetes.

If the kidney disease does develop into later stages, some signs and symptoms may begin manifesting:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
  • Lower extremity edema (swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet)
  • Swelling in the eys
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Reduced need for insulin or other diabetic medication
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Persistent itchy skin

If you have diabetes and you're experiencing any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician or your endocrinologist. Either healthcare provider can examine your symptoms and interpret your test results.

How Is Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose diabetic nephropathy, healthcare providers have to gather plenty of information.

First, they're going to ask questions about your personal and family history. They're going to ask about your habits and symptoms as well.

Then, they're going to order blood and urine tests to examine how controlled or uncontrolled your diabetes is. These tests can also help them examine your kidney health.

In addition to these tests, your healthcare provider may order a CT scan or an MRI to look at your kidneys. Lastly, they may require a biopsy if your kidneys do appear compromised.

The Lab Tests to Screen, Diagnose, and Monitor Diabetes With Chronic Kidney Disease

If you're looking to get diabetes with chronic kidney disease tests, Ulta Lab Tests has a few different panels to choose from:

Our comprehensive panel tests for the most biomarkers. With this panel, you'll get the best look at your diabetes condition and kidney health.

Here are the biomarkers that our comprehensive panel looks for:

  • Apolipoprotein - a measure of proteins that bind to lipids in the blood
  • C-Reactive protein - a general marker of inflammation
  • CBC - a general panel that looks at red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
  • Comprehensive metabolic panel - a panel that looks at electrolytes in the blood
  • Cystatin C with eGFR - a protein controlled by kidneys
  • GlycoMark - a plasma test for monitoring glucose variability
  • Hemoglobin A1C - a measure of blood glucose over the past three months
  • Insulin - a measure of glucose-controlling hormone in the blood
  • Lipid panel with ratios - a measure of lipids (fats) in the blood
  • Microalbumin - a protein in the blood
  • Phosphate - a measure of phosphorous in the blood
  • PTH - parathyroid hormone
  • QuestAssure - a measure of vitamin D in the blood

Getting all of these labs will help you and your healthcare provider make better decisions about your health.

Get Your Diabetes Tests With Ulta Lab Tests

If you have diabetes, you need to check the health of your kidneys. Diabetes with chronic kidney disease can lead to life-altering complications.

That's why physicians recommend that patients with diabetes get regular kidney testing. Luckily, Ulta Lab Tests offers the diabetes tests that you need. We offer highly accurate and reliable tests so that you can make informed decisions about your health.

Here are some of the benefits that you get to experience if you order your tests from Ulta Lab Tests:

  • You'll get secure and confidential results
  • You don't need health insurance
  • You don't need a physician's referral
  • You'll get affordable pricing
  • We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee 

Order your diabetes tests today, and you'll receive your results securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests. With your results, you and your healthcare provider can take preventative measures against chronic kidney disease before it can develop.

Take control with Ulta Lab Tests today!