apollo
  • male
  • 50 Years
  • 10/05/2022

Can diabetes affect my kidney health?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

With time, raised blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys as well as nephrons making them not work as well as they should. Many people with diabetes also develop high blood pressure, which can damage kidneys too.

Dr. Anshul Suggests...

Consult a Nephrologist

Answered 04/07/2025

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  1. How Diabetes Affects Kidney Health

    • High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, leading to diabetic nephropathy.
  2. Diabetic Kidney Disease (Diabetic Nephropathy)

    • A common complication in diabetes. Watch for symptoms like frequent urination, increased thirst, and fatigue.
  3. Risk Factors and Progression

    • Increased risk with longer diabetes duration, poor blood pressure control, and unhealthy lifestyle. Untreated, it can lead to kidney failure.
  4. Diagnosis and Monitoring

    • Regular tests like urine albumin, blood creatinine, and eGFR are crucial for assessing kidney function.
  5. Prevention and Management

    • Control blood sugar and blood pressure. Use medications like ACE inhibitors. Adopt a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise.
  6. When to Consult a Specialist

    • Nephrologists and endocrinologists can help manage diabetic kidney disease effectively.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Nephrologist or Take a Urine Albumin Test Test

Answered 20/08/2025

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I'm 52 and I've been told I have diabetes with a creatinine level of 1.4. My urine creatinine is 15, which I understand is normal since it's below 30, and there are no proteins found. My HbA1c is 7.9. The Lifespan clinic suggested I see a kidney specialist because they believe my creatinine levels aren't related to my diabetes. Can you help me understand why my creatinine might be high if it's not due to diabetes?

With your medical history of diabetes, creatinine level of 1.4, urine creatinine of 15, and HbA1c of 7.9, it is important to follow up with a kidney specialist for further evaluation and management. It is crucial to address any potential kidney issues to prevent complications and maintain your overall health.

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I'm a bit concerned about my potassium levelit came back as 3.10. I know the normal range is between 3.50 and 5.10. Could you help me figure out how to raise it? Should I be worried about this?

Potassium level of 3.10 is below the normal range of 3.50-5.10. To increase it, you can consume foods rich in potassium such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach. Additionally, you can take potassium supplements like Slow-K with a dosage of 20 mEq-40 mEq per day, as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to address low potassium levels as it can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythms.

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I've noticed that my creatinine level increased to 1.2 recently, while it had been stable at 0.78 for the past two years. Everything else in my blood and urine tests, including urea, came back normal. The one big change in my life is that I started a rigorous workout and muscle-building routine last year, but Im a vegetarian and dont use any supplements. Im not experiencing any other symptoms. Could the rise in creatinine be due to my exercise routine? Should I be worried about this?

The increase in creatinine levels from 0.78 to 1.2 over a year can be attributed to your rigorous workout regime and muscle building. When muscle tissue is broken down during exercise, creatinine is produced as a byproduct. Since you are vegetarian and do not take supplements, the increase in creatinine levels can be considered a normal response to your increased muscle mass. However, it is important to continue monitoring your creatinine levels and consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation if needed.

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