Diabetes and Kidney Disease

People who have diabetes are at higher risk for kidney disease and often don't know it.

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Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease where the amount of sugar in the blood is too high. High sugar can also be found in the urine.
 
In type 2 diabetes, the body makes insulin, but cannot use it well. The insulin supply-to-demand is thus out of balance. 90% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
 
Type 2 diabetes can damage the eyes, nerves, heart and kidneys. It can lead to many health problems, such as heart failure and kidney disease.
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Diabetes & Kidney Disease

Each kidney contains many tiny filtering units (called nephrons). Over time, diabetes can damage these filtering units.
 
Protein spills into the urine and the kidneys over time cannot filter blood the way they normally should. These events together can lead to kidney disease.
 
Approximately 1/3 of people with diabetes develop kidney disease, and diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure.

People with type 2 diabetes should get tested for kidney disease.

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Tests for Kidney Disease

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): A blood test that checks how well the kidneys are filtering. GFR is calculated from serum creatinine using a formula.

 

Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR): A urine test that checks for high protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage.

 

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Blood Sugar Tests

Blood glucose and A1C: Tests that are used to diagnose diabetes or monitor glucose levels for people with diabetes. Glucose is a type of sugar.

 

A home test can help monitor blood sugar levels.

 

Type 2 diabetes and kidney disease can be treated.

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Blood Sugar Control

Keeping your blood sugar well controlled is important in managing diabetes and kidney disease. Blood sugar control is usually done with diet, exercise, and if needed, medicine to help lower blood sugar.

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Medicines

Speak with a healthcare professional about treatments and which ones are best for you, based on your individual medical situation. Take all medicines as instructed by your healthcare team.

 

Avoid overuse of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, which can harm kidneys. Avoid herbal supplements. Many herbal products can harm the kidneys.

 

Steps can be taken to manage health and reduce risk.

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Diet

Manage your sugar intake and eat healthy meals. A dietitian can help with a meal plan for diabetes and kidney disease that balances carbohydrate and protein intake.

 

Manage blood pressure and control your intake of salt.

 

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Lifestyle

Manage weight and get enough physical activity. You can speak with your healthcare team for help in deciding which lifestyle changes are best for you.

Patients

Learn about diabetes and its relationship with your body, your kidneys, and kidney disease.

Diabetes Playlist

This series of videos features clinicians and patients discussing diabetes and covers a range of topics including new diagnoses, treatment options, recovery and more.

Healthcare Professionals

The following resources were created for healthcare professionals to better prevent, diagnose and treat diabetes.

Support for this online resource is provided by Bayer.

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