Kidney damage is one of the most serious complications of uncontrolled diabetes. Over time, elevated blood sugar can silently injure your kidneys, often without symptoms until the damage is advanced. If left unchecked, this can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), the need for dialysis, or even kidney failure that requires a transplant.

The good news? With early testing and the right care, much of this risk is preventable.

🩸 How High Blood Sugar Harms the Kidneys

Your kidneys filter your blood all day long, removing waste and balancing fluid and electrolyte levels. When blood sugar remains elevated:

• The small blood vessels in your kidneys (called glomeruli) become damaged

• These filters can start leaking protein into the urine, a condition known as albuminuria

• Over time, filtration slows down, toxins build up, and kidney function declines

This condition is referred to as diabetic nephropathy, and it is the most common cause of kidney failure in the U.S.

🚨 Why Kidney Disease Often Goes Undetected

One of the most dangerous things about diabetic kidney disease is that it often has no symptoms early on. You may feel completely normal even as kidney function is declining.

Early kidney damage:

• Does not cause pain

• Does not cause swelling in most cases

• Can only be caught through specific blood and urine tests

That’s why regular screening is essential if you have diabetes, even if you feel well.

⚠️ Who Is at Greatest Risk?

Kidney disease risk increases if you:

• Have had diabetes for several years

• Consistently run high A1c levels

• Also have high blood pressure or high cholesterol

• Are not getting annual lab tests for kidney markers

• Have a family history of kidney disease

Even people with prediabetes or mild insulin resistance can begin to show early signs of kidney stress.

🧪 Key Labs That Check Kidney Health

Ask your provider about:

• eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): Assesses how well your kidneys are filtering waste

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): Detects early protein leakage

• Serum creatinine: Measures waste buildup in the blood

• Blood pressure checks: High BP worsens kidney decline and must be managed

🛡️ What You Can Do to Protect Your Kidneys

1. Control blood sugar tightly
Keeping A1c in target range is one of the most protective things you can do.

2. Monitor blood pressure
High blood pressure adds to kidney stress. Aim for readings under 130/80 unless otherwise directed.

3. Discuss the use of medications with your healthcare provider
Certain blood pressure meds (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs) protect kidney function even if your BP is normal. Limit NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can strain the kidneys over time.

4. Stay well hydrated
Beyond many other benefits, water works great to support kidney filtration.

5. Get regular labs
Catching even mild kidney decline early can help prevent irreversible damage.

📅 Ready to Know Where You Stand?

At Reach7, members receive on-site lab testing for kidney function, A1c, blood pressure, and more. You’ll also get a personalized 1:1 review to clearly understand what your results mean and what steps to take next.

Book your visit today and protect your kidney health with clarity and confidence.