How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

People with diabetes must follow a comprehensive management plan. Failure to do so can lead to vision issues, amputations, and heart disease. Kidney disease is a lesser-known complication but is no less of a concern. 

Fortunately, with the proper care, you can manage diabetes and reduce your risk of kidney disease.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

So how does diabetes cause kidney disease? The kidneys’ primary function is to filter waste and surplus water out of the blood and create urine. They also help control blood pressure and produce hormones. 

Kidneys filter waste with microscopic filters called nephrons. Chronic high blood sugar can damage nephrons and blood vessels, causing the kidneys to work harder than usual. If left untreated, the nephrons may stop working, the blood vessels will become damaged, and the kidneys will begin leaking a protein called albumin. 

The disease progresses with additional protein leakage. Accelerated glucose levels also cause toxins to build up in the kidneys, leading to inflammation, cell stress, and, eventually, cell death. Diabetes can also damage the nerves that send signals to your organs, while high sugar levels cause bacteria to accumulate in urine. 

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?

Now you know the answer to the question, how does diabetes cause chronic kidney disease? However, it may be more important to identify the symptoms of kidney disease. This knowledge will help you address early issues and take the appropriate measures. 

Unfortunately, kidney damage generally has few symptoms during early onset, making it difficult to detect. You may overlook issues until the disease has advanced for 5 to 10 years. At this point, you may experience the following:

• Chronic fatigue
• A general feeling of unwellness
• Poor appetite
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling in the legs
• Itchy skin
• Shortness of breath
• Frequent infections

How to Treat Kidney Disease with Diabetes

We understand how diabetes damages kidneys, but what can you do to slow the progression of the disease after it is diagnosed? Here are some recommended solutions:

Control Your Blood Pressure

People with diabetes are at high risk of developing hypertension, which can, in turn, damage the kidneys. Eating well and exercising will keep blood pressure under control. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat hypertension. 

Keep Blood Sugar Levels Within Healthy Range

We already know the answer to the question, how does high blood sugar affect the kidneys? You can keep it under control by eating healthy foods, exercising, taking blood sugar medications as prescribed, and monitoring your blood sugar levels to understand how certain foods and activities affect them. 

Treat Urinary Tract Infections

People with diabetes are at high risk for urinary tract infections that can contribute to kidney damage. Treat UTIs right away to prevent other health risks. 

Consider a Vitamin D Supplement

Vitamin D supplementation may help regulate blood sugar and minimize the risk of certain kidney disease complications, such as bone loss, cancer, and heart issues. However, over-supplementation can also cause kidney-related risks. 

Ask a doctor to find out if Vitamin D is right for you. 

How to Prevent Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease?

Many techniques that treat kidney disease will also prevent it, such as eating well, exercising, and taking your medication as recommended. In terms of diet, stick to a kidney-friendly menu that includes: 

• Low sodium foods
• Complex nutrient-dense carbohydrates without much added sugar or fat
• Choose heart-healthy fats
• Integrate plant-based foods

Other Things to Know About Treating Kidney Disease and Diabetes

The development of kidney disease could have adverse effects on diabetes treatments. For example, contrast dyes often used in imaging tests can damage your kidneys. Tell the provider you have diabetes before you undergo testing. If testing happens, drink plenty of water to flush the dye out of your system. 

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also damage your kidneys if used regularly. Ask your provider about other OTC painkillers that may produce similar results without the damage. 

FAQs

Does diabetes affect the kidneys or liver?

Diabetes can affect the kidneys and the liver. We already know how it can affect the kidneys. In terms of the liver, it increases the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat accumulates in the liver. Diabetes has also been linked to liver cancer. 

How Does Type 2 Diabetes Affect the Liver?

So, how does uncontrolled diabetes affect the kidneys? We understand how type 2 diabetes interacts with the liver, damaging nephrons that filter waste. The same thing can happen with type 1 diabetes, as the low insulin levels involved in both diseases lead to protein leakage. People with type 1 diabetes that develops before the age of 20 are especially prone to kidney disease. 

How Feetsee Can Reduce Diabetes Complications

Feetsee can’t prevent kidney disease in people with diabetes, but we can help detect and treat a related condition: diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). DFU and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share underlying factors such as neuropathy and poor circulation, which can negatively impact wound healing. Dialysis treatment increases the risk of DFU. 

Our app allows people with diabetes to monitor their feet for DFU at home. The system detects temperature increases that could be related to inflammation and wounds. If an anomaly is identified, an alert is sent to your provider so they can take the appropriate action. 

Feetsee can help reduce diabetes complications that impact your quality of life. Browse our website to learn more about our innovative product.