Diabetes symptoms: 5 signs of high blood sugar that may damage your kidneys

Swelling of limbs, fatigue may not just be a sign of high blood sugar, but it may also affect your kidney health. Read on to know how.

Written by: Jigyasa Sahay

Published: January 28, 2025, 7:06 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/health/diabetes-symptoms-5-signs-of-high-blood-sugar-that-may-damage-your-kidneys-7574131/ Copy

How diabetes may affect your kidney health (Pexel)

India has over one million people living with diabetes and several still remain undiagnosed. High blood sugar levels not only impair the metabolic condition but also affect our kidney health. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney diseases across the globe as improper blood sugar can impair the function of kidneys which is to filter, waste, and excess fluids from the blood. It is important to understand the connection between diabetes and kidney diseases and be aware of prevention strategies to enhance the quality of life.

How does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

Diabetes affects kidneys and damages them through a condition known as diabetic nephropathy, explains, Dr Udit Gupta, Consultant – Nephrologist, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre. In this condition, high blood sugar levels put a strain on small blood vessels or glomeruli within the kidneys. This damage obstructs the kidneys from filtering waste and can lead to kidney scarring, reduced function, and in severe cases, kidney failure. Diabetes can also mess with a person’s blood pressure and cause complications such as elevated blood pressure levels, which also damage the kidney.

Causes and Symptoms of Kidney Disease Due to Diabetes:

Kidney diseases that are caused by diabetes, commonly develop gradually. The primary cause of kidney diseases is persistently high blood sugar levels, which damage the filtering units of the kidneys. Additionally, high blood pressure, obesity, and genetic predisposition also play a major role.

Some early symptoms of kidney disease can be settled and often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Common signs and symptoms of kidney disease include:

• Swelling in hands, feet, or face
• Increased blood pressure
• Frequent urination, especially at night Fatigue
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Loss of appetite or nausea

The factors that increase the likelihood of developing kidney disease due to diabetes are:

• Prolonged diabetes
• Poor control of blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Family history of kidney disease

Ways to Manage Diabetes and Kidneys

1. Monitor blood sugar: Keeping a check on blood sugar levels and recording them regularly helps maintain optimal glucose control.
2. Manage blood pressure: Consulting doctors to keep blood pressure regulated. This can also be done by medication, such as ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers)
3. Maintain healthy weight: Engaging in regular physical activity and adopting a balanced diet to avoid weight gain is recommended. Reducing sodium and salt intake and incorporating a customised diabetes meal plan will also help.
4. Quitting smoking: Smoking aggravates kidney damage and worsens diabetes complications.
5. Treat urinary tract infections: Recognising and getting treatment for UTIs is important to prevent any further complications regarding kidneys.

The treatment options for kidney diseases depend on the severity of the condition. If detected in its early stages it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. However, if the disease is in its advanced stages, dialysis or kidney transplant may become necessary.To protect kidneys from diabetes-related kidney diseases, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Also being aware of the symptoms and following tips that can help prevent kidney diseases will go a long way in keeping the kidneys healthy.