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Can Diabetes Lead to Kidney Failure?

Understand the critical link between diabetes and kidney disease. Learn how uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to kidney damage, the stages of kidney failure, and essential steps for prevention and early management to protect your kidney health.

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Written by Dr. Siri Nallapu

Reviewed by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula MBBS

Last updated on 11th Aug, 2025

Diabetes is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While many know it impacts blood sugar levels, fewer realize that uncontrolled diabetes can also harm other organs—especially the kidneys. If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to kidney disease and, in severe cases, kidney failure.

But don’t worry—understanding how diabetes affects your kidneys and taking preventive steps can help protect your health. Let’s explore this connection, recognize warning signs, and learn how to keep your kidneys healthy.

How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

Your kidneys are like filters—they remove waste and extra fluid from your blood. High blood sugar levels (a hallmark of diabetes) can damage the tiny blood vessels in these filters over time. When these vessels get damaged:

  • Kidneys struggle to filter waste properly, leading to a buildup of toxins.

  • Protein leaks into urine (a condition called proteinuria), which is an early sign of kidney damage.

  • Blood pressure rises, putting extra strain on the kidneys.

If this damage continues, it can progress to diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease caused by diabetes) and eventually kidney failure, where the kidneys stop working completely.

Warning Signs of Kidney Damage

Early kidney damage often has no symptoms, which is why regular checkups are crucial. However, as the condition worsens, you may notice:

  •  Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands (due to fluid retention).

  •  Fatigue or weakness.

  •  Changes in urination (foamy, dark, or frequent urination).

  •  High blood pressure that’s hard to control.

  •  Nausea or loss of appetite.

If you experience any of these, consult a doctor immediately.

Consult Top Kidney Specialists

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma, Transplant Specialist Surgeon

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma

Transplant Specialist Surgeon

39 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS (Glas), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (General Surgery), MSc Medical Education

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Manoj Gumber, Nephrologist

Dr. Manoj Gumber

Nephrologist

17 Years • MD, DM (Nephro)

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Brijesh Singh		, Nephrologist

Dr. Brijesh Singh

Nephrologist

2 Years • MBBS,MD,DM

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

700

No Booking Fees

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Not everyone with diabetes develops kidney disease, but certain factors increase the risk:

  • Poor blood sugar control (consistently high HbA1c levels).

  •  High blood pressure.

  •  Long-term diabetes (the longer you have diabetes, the higher the risk).

  •  Family history of kidney disease.

  •  Smoking or unhealthy diet.

How to Protect Your Kidneys?

The good news? You can take steps to prevent or slow kidney damage:

1. Control Blood Sugar Levels

  •  Monitor your glucose regularly.

  •  Follow your doctor’s advice on medications (like insulin or oral drugs).

  •  Aim for an HbA1c level below 7% (as recommended by your doctor).

2. Manage Blood Pressure

  •  Keep BP below 130/80 mmHg.

  •  Reduce salt intake and take prescribed medications if needed.

3. Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet

  •  Limit salt, processed foods, and sugary drinks.

  •  Reduce protein intake if advised by a doctor.

  •  Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

4. Stay Hydrated (But Not Overhydrated)

  •  Drink enough water, but avoid excessive fluid if kidney function is already reduced.

5. Exercise Regularly

  •  Moderate activity (like walking or yoga) helps control blood sugar and BP.

6. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

  •  Both can worsen kidney damage.

7. Get Regular Kidney CheckUps

  •  Urine tests (to check for protein).

  •  Blood tests (like serum creatinine and eGFR to assess kidney function).

When to See a Doctor?

If you have diabetes, regular kidney function tests are a must. Book a consultation if you notice:

  •  Unexplained swelling.

  •  Changes in urination.

  •  Persistent fatigue.

Early detection can prevent severe kidney damage!

Can Kidney Failure Be Reversed?

Early stage kidney damage can sometimes be slowed or managed, but advanced kidney failure may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. That’s why prevention is key!

Final Thoughts

Diabetes doesn’t have to lead to kidney failure—awareness and proactive care make all the difference. By managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits, you can protect your kidneys and stay healthy for years to come.

If you have concerns about diabetes and kidney health, consult a specialist on Apollo 24|7 for personalized advice and testing. Your kidneys work hard for you—let’s keep them safe!

Take Action Today! Book a kidney function test or diabetic consultation on Apollo 24|7 to stay ahead of risks! Stay informed, stay healthy! 

Consult Top Kidney Specialists

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma, Transplant Specialist Surgeon

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma

Transplant Specialist Surgeon

39 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS (Glas), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (General Surgery), MSc Medical Education

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Manoj Gumber, Nephrologist

Dr. Manoj Gumber

Nephrologist

17 Years • MD, DM (Nephro)

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Brijesh Singh		, Nephrologist

Dr. Brijesh Singh

Nephrologist

2 Years • MBBS,MD,DM

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

700

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Kidney Specialists

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma, Transplant Specialist Surgeon

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma

Transplant Specialist Surgeon

39 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS (Glas), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (General Surgery), MSc Medical Education

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Manju Kamal, Nephrologist

Dr. Manju Kamal

Nephrologist

12 Years • MBBS,MD(General Medicine), DNB,DM(Nephrology)

Angamaly

Apollo Hospitals Karukutty, Angamaly

500

No Booking Fees

Dr. Manoj Gumber, Nephrologist

Dr. Manoj Gumber

Nephrologist

17 Years • MD, DM (Nephro)

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Brijesh Singh		, Nephrologist

Dr. Brijesh Singh

Nephrologist

2 Years • MBBS,MD,DM

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

700

No Booking Fees

Consult Top Kidney Specialists

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma, Transplant Specialist Surgeon

Dr Ajay Kumar Sharma

Transplant Specialist Surgeon

39 Years • MBBS, MS, DNB, FRCS (Glas), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (General Surgery), MSc Medical Education

Delhi

Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi

1500

150 Cashback

1500

No Booking Fees

Dr Vinay Kumar A V, Nephrologist

Dr Vinay Kumar A V

Nephrologist

8 Years • MBBS, MD - General Medicine, DM - Nephrology

Bilaspur

Apollo Hospitals Seepat Road, Bilaspur

800

800

No Booking Fees

Dr. Manju Kamal, Nephrologist

Dr. Manju Kamal

Nephrologist

12 Years • MBBS,MD(General Medicine), DNB,DM(Nephrology)

Angamaly

Apollo Hospitals Karukutty, Angamaly

500

No Booking Fees

Dr. Manoj Gumber, Nephrologist

Dr. Manoj Gumber

Nephrologist

17 Years • MD, DM (Nephro)

Ahmedabad

Apollo Hospitals Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad

2000

200 Cashback

2000

No Booking Fees

Dr. Brijesh Singh		, Nephrologist

Dr. Brijesh Singh

Nephrologist

2 Years • MBBS,MD,DM

Guwahati

Apollo Excelcare Hospital, Guwahati

700

No Booking Fees

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