The Connection Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide and impacts how the body processes glucose. Uncontrolled diabetes leads to elevated blood sugar levels and can damage vital organs. As a result, people with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing kidney issues. 

The Role of Kidneys

The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining our body's balance. Each kidney has about 1 -1.5 million filtration systems called nephrons. Each nephron has tiny blood vessels that help filter waste products and ensure proteins and red blood cells remain in the body for use. Elevated blood sugar can damage these blood vessels, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively.  

How Diabetes Can Damage Your Kidneys

When the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, they fail to filter out waste products properly. Over time, this can lead to serious health issues like chronic kidney disease (CKD), diabetic nephropathy and even kidney failure.

Additionally, diabetes can damage the nerves that control the bladder, making it difficult to sense when the bladder is full. This can cause pressure on the kidneys and lead to further damage. If urine remains in the bladder for too long, it can result in urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the rapid growth of bacteria in a high-sugar environment. These infections often affect the bladder and also spread to the kidneys.

Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

Regular checkups and blood and urine tests are crucial for monitoring kidney health. Identifying kidney problems early is vital and allows for more timely treatment. Key steps to maintain kidney health include:

• Control blood sugar
• Manage blood pressure
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet
• Stop smoking
• Keep hydrated

Managing diabetes can feel overwhelming, but by adopting a diabetes care plan with your healthcare team, you can prevent or delay complications. For more information on diabetes care at NKCH and MH, schedule an appointment with your doctor or speak with a diabetes educator.

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Melissa Zalonis

Melissa Zalonis is a registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist. She is the program coordinator for the Living With Diabetes program and has worked at North Kansas City Hospital since 1994. She has specialized in diabetes nursing since 2008. She belongs to the hospital’s Speakers Bureau and is a member of the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists.