Diabetes and Your Kidneys
Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. About 1 in 3 people with diabetes will get chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time. The good news: you can protect your kidneys, especially when problems are found early.
How diabetes hurts the kidneys
High blood sugar over many years slowly damages the tiny filters inside your kidneys. At first there are no signs. You can feel fine while damage is quietly building. That is why testing matters.
Two simple tests find it early
- A blood test (eGFR) shows how well your kidneys filter.
- A urine test (albumin) checks for protein leaking into your urine, an early warning sign.
If you have diabetes, ask your care team for both tests at least once a year.
How to protect your kidneys
- Keep blood sugar in your target range. Your team will set a goal that is right for you.
- Keep blood pressure controlled.
- Ask about kidney-protecting medicines. Newer drugs can slow kidney damage and protect the heart, even if your sugar is already good.
- Stay active, eat well, don’t smoke, and avoid regular use of pain pills like ibuprofen unless your team approves.
The takeaway
Diabetes and kidney disease are closely linked, but early testing and today’s treatments can slow or prevent kidney damage. Ask about your eGFR and urine albumin at your next visit.
This post is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk with your care team about your own health.
