Urine testing is important because it can detect acid–base imbalances. If the diabetes remains uncontrolled, the kidneys could become over-stressed and malfunction, which could lead to coma or death.
The kidneys have two very important roles in maintaining the acid–base balance:
Within the human body, fluids such as blood must be maintained within the narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45, making it slightly alkaline. Outside that range, pH becomes incompatible with life; proteins are denatured and digested, enzymes lose their ability to function, and the body is unable to sustain itself.
To maintain this narrow range of pH the body has a powerful buffering system. Acid–base imbalances that overcome this system are compensated in the short term by changing the rate of ventilation.
Abnormalities in water and electrolytes can pose danger to health, and are frequently caused by kidney disease or by hormones that adversely influence the kidney function. Our group of nephrologists at Kidney Care El Paso are specialists in management of fluid and electrolytes, both in hospitalized patients as well as outpatients.
In Collaboration with Paso Del Norte Nephrology.
Visit Dr. Lopez's Patient Portal
Manuel D. Lopez, MD, FACP, is a board-certified nephrologist who has over 20 years of experience with hypertension, kidney transplantation, peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis, kidney stones, acute kidney injury, and other types of renal problems. He maintains privileges in all the private hospitals and accepts many insurance plans.
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Visit Dr. Opawumi's Patient Portal
Dr. Opawumi Specializes in General Nephrology with particular interest in diabetic kidney disease, End stage renal care, Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis.
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Angeli Vaughn joins Paso Del Norte Nephrology with over 11 years of combined critical care, chronic and acute dialysis experience.
read bio(915) 595-2286 Clinic Locations Mon-Thu: 8AM - 5PM | Fri: 8AM - 4:30PM | Sat & Sun: Closed