When you have diabetes, there is a risk of developing other diseases; kidney disease happens to be one of them. Many people with diabetes are fearful of this as they may have heard about the increased risk but don’t know exactly what to do to prevent kidney disease from happening.

To start, let’s talk about what diabetes does to the kidneys.

What Does Diabetes Do to the Kidneys?

The issue with diabetes and the health of your kidneys is the fact that diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the body, including in the kidneys. When these blood vessels are damaged, your kidneys are not able to function at their best and are not able to cleanse the body as they should.

As a result, you are more prone to holding onto more salt and water which can lead to weight gain. Protein in the urine is also something commonly seen when the kidney are damaged due to diabetes, and a buildup of waste products may be found in the blood.

What is the Risk of Kidney Disease When You Have Diabetes?

It is estimated that 30% of people who suffer from Type 1 diabetes and 10-40% of those with Type 2 diabetes will go on to develop kidney disease.

Early Detection is Key

Early detection is critical and can save the health of your kidneys. One of the very first signs your kidneys may be in trouble is the presence of albumin in the urine. Having a urinalysis done at your yearly physical exam can be an excellent early detection tool.

Keeping an eye out for excess weight gain, ankle swelling, and high blood pressure will also help with early detection.