What kidney problems have to do with diabetes

Diabetes can damage the kidney. To avoid this, experts advise certain examinations – and possibly lifestyle changes.

Those with diabetes often have kidney problems. And in many cases, kidney patients have undetected diabetes. The German Diabetes Society points this out.

Have blood sugar checked if you have kidney problems

The experts therefore recommend that you take a close look at blood sugar if you have kidney problems. Early diagnosis of diabetes and kidney disease is essential to protect patients from kidney damage and possibly a transplant or lifelong dialysis.

“Studies show that roughly one in three on the waiting list for kidney transplantation has previously unknown diabetes or prediabetes,” explains medical doctor Martina Guthoff, a specialist in kidney diseases.

Regular check-up

At least once a year, diabetics should have their urine checked for protein, so-called albumin. If the kidney does not work properly, it is excreted with the urine.

Permanently increased blood sugar and blood pressure are the main risk factors for kidney damage, according to the society. Therefore both values ​​should be stable and in the green. People with diabetes can also promote the function of their kidneys by losing weight, not smoking, eating healthy and exercising sufficiently.

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