The Hidden Link Between Diabetes and Kidney Health

Introduction

Diabetes affects more than blood sugar levels. When blood glucose remains high for a long period, it can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys and affect their normal function. High blood pressure, which is also common in people with diabetes, can further increase the risk of kidney problems.

One of the challenges with diabetic kidney disease is that it may develop without obvious symptoms for a long time. Regular kidney function tests can therefore be an important part of diabetes care.

1. How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

The kidneys filter the blood and remove waste and excess fluid from the body. When blood sugar remains high over time, the small blood vessels in the kidneys can become damaged, affecting their ability to function properly.

High blood pressure can also place additional strain on the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney disease.

For people living with diabetes, looking after kidney health is therefore an important part of their overall healthcare.

2. Diabetic Kidney Disease May Not Show Symptoms

Diabetic kidney disease can be difficult to identify in its early stages because it may not cause noticeable symptoms.

A person may feel well even when kidney function has started to change. There may be no obvious signs such as:

• Pain
• Changes in urination
• Swelling
• Tiredness

Blood and urine tests can help identify changes in kidney function before noticeable symptoms develop. Regular testing can therefore be important for people with diabetes.

3. What Tests Check Kidney Health?

Kidney health can be assessed using blood and urine tests.

Two important measures include:

Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)

This urine test checks for albumin, a protein that can appear in the urine when the kidneys' filtering system is affected.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

This is calculated using a blood test and provides an estimate of how well the kidneys are filtering blood.

The frequency of kidney testing can depend on the type of diabetes, medical history and other risk factors. Your doctor can recommend an appropriate testing schedule.

4. Managing Blood Pressure Is Also Important

Controlling blood sugar is an important part of reducing the risk of diabetes-related kidney problems. However, blood pressure also needs attention.

Long-term high blood pressure can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.

People with diabetes may therefore need regular monitoring of:

• Blood sugar
• Blood pressure
• Kidney function
• Urine albumin levels

A healthcare professional can also advise on suitable medicines, physical activity, diet and other measures based on an individual's health needs.

5. Who Should Have Kidney Function Tests?

People diagnosed with diabetes should discuss kidney monitoring with their healthcare provider.

The risk of kidney disease may be higher when diabetes occurs along with:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• A family history of chronic kidney disease
• Smoking
• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Previous abnormal kidney test results

The timing of kidney tests can vary. People with type 2 diabetes and those with type 1 diabetes for five years or more may require kidney screening, based on their healthcare provider's advice.

6. How Can You Protect Your Kidney Health?

There is no single step that can prevent every kidney problem. Managing diabetes and following recommended healthcare advice can help reduce the risk of complications.

People with diabetes can support their kidney health by:

• Monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure as advised
• Taking prescribed medicines regularly
• Attending recommended blood and urine tests
• Staying physically active
• Following a balanced diet
• Avoiding unnecessary over-the-counter medicines, particularly frequent use of painkillers
• Discussing new symptoms or health changes with a doctor

Regular monitoring can help identify changes in kidney function and allow appropriate care to be started when needed.

Maruti Hospital's Nephrology department provides kidney health consultations, chronic kidney disease care and kidney function testing and laboratory services.

Conclusion

Diabetes and kidney health are closely connected. Kidney problems related to diabetes may develop gradually without noticeable symptoms, making regular monitoring particularly important.

Keeping blood sugar and blood pressure under control, taking prescribed medicines, following a healthy lifestyle and completing recommended kidney tests can help support kidney health.

If you have diabetes and are concerned about your kidney function, speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate testing and whether a nephrology consultation is needed. Maruti Hospital in Tiruchirappalli provides nephrology services for kidney health concerns, including chronic kidney disease and diabetic kidney disease.