Not all people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease, so it is necessary to control blood sugar levels, monitor kidney function regularly, and take steps to protect kidney health to reduce the risk. One of the most serious complications of diabetes, high blood sugar, is chronic kidney disease. According to global statistics, up to 40% of patients may develop this problem, which impairs the proper functioning of the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for regulating blood composition by filtering waste and maintaining the balance of salt and water in the body. However, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which is the most common cause, can lead to chronic kidney failure. The longer a person has diabetes and the less controlled their blood sugar levels are, the higher the risk of complications such as chronic kidney disease, which can be advanced before symptoms appear or a diagnosis is made. The way diabetes and chronic kidney disease overlap and interact is complex. At the same time, the decline in kidney function related to chronic kidney disease can lead to insulin resistance, which can cause type 2 diabetes. Excess glucose in the blood can damage the kidneys and cause chronic kidney disease. Controlling diabetes includes managing medication, developing a healthy eating routine, exercising, and planning factors that can affect blood sugar levels, such as illnesses, stress, and hormonal changes due to menstrual cycles, perimenopause, and menopause. Ivan Porter II, M.D., a nephrologist at Mayo Clinic (Florida), during a conference for the Latin American media, commented that in both cases, the body cannot produce enough insulin, a hormone that the pancreas produces and helps convert sugar into energy. Since one of the functions of the kidneys is to clean the blood, they also help regulate glucose levels. "High circulating glucose levels in the blood are toxic to nerves and blood vessels, and the kidneys are basically a ball of blood vessels," explained Dr. Porter via Zoom. He added that the high concentration of glucose causes chemical changes that lead to the appearance of protein in the urine, a presence that activates scarring and fibrosis within the kidney, which can worsen the kidney disease.
Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease: The Connection and Prevention
Diabetes can lead to chronic kidney disease. Up to 40% of patients with diabetes are at risk for this complication. The article explains the link between these conditions, the importance of blood sugar control, and measures to protect kidney health.
