How does diabetes cause kidney disease?
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Diabetes causes kidney disease by damaging nephrons with unused glucose. Diabetes prevents the body from using glucose, which is a kind of sugar, and when it builds up in the bloodstream, it damages the nephrons in kidneys. The nephrons are the units responsible for filtering waste and fluid out of the bloodstream. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. People who have diabetes need to control their blood sugar to prevent and manage kidney disease.
Diabetes causes kidney disease by damaging nephrons with unused glucose. Diabetes prevents the body from using glucose, which is a kind of sugar, and when it builds up in the bloodstream, it damages the nephrons in kidneys. The nephrons are the... More -
American Diabetes Association answered:When our bodies digest the protein we eat, the process creates waste products. In the kidneys, millions of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) with even tinier holes in them act as filters. As blood flows through the blood vessels, small molecules such as waste products squeeze through the holes. These waste products become part of the urine. Useful substances, such as protein and red blood cells, are too big to pass through the holes in the filter and stay in the blood.
Diabetes can damage this system. High levels of blood sugar make the kidneys filter too much blood. All this extra work is hard on the filters. After many years, they start to leak and useful protein is lost in the urine. Having small amounts of protein in the urine is called microalbuminuria.
In time, the stress of overwork causes the kidneys to lose their filtering ability. Waste products then start to build up in the blood. Finally, the kidneys fail. This failure, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is very serious. A person with ESRD needs to have a kidney transplant or to have the blood filtered by machine (dialysis).When our bodies digest the protein we eat, the process creates waste products. In the kidneys, millions of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) with even tinier holes in them act as filters. As blood flows through the blood vessels, small molecules such... More -
RealAge answered:Think of your kidneys as your body's filtration system. When blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged by excess glucose due to diabetes, your kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins. You end up with high levels of protein in your urine and waste products in your blood. Over time, your kidney function gets worse. And this can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Diabetes with hypertension is now the number one cause of end-stage kidney disease. Ask your doctor about routine tests to detect proteins in your urine. To keep your kidney disease from getting worse, your doctor may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.
Think of your kidneys as your body's filtration system. When blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged by excess glucose due to diabetes, your kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins. You end up with high levels of protein in your urine... More
