Chronic Kidney Disease: 
Kidney Disease and Diabetes

Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. More than 20 million U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and most are not aware of their condition. Among adults with diabetes, about 35% have CKD.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are common causes of chronic kidney disease. Both diabetes and CKD are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Controlling your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol can prevent or delay CKD and CVD and improve your health outcomes. 

People with diabetes should be screened regularly for kidney disease. There are no symptoms in the early stages, so it is important to have regular urine tests to find kidney damage early. The problem is diagnosed using simple tests that check for a protein in the urine called albumin. Urine doesn't usually contain protein but in the early stages of kidney damage some protein may be found in your urine because your kidneys are not able to filter it out the way they should. As kidney damage develops, blood pressure often rises. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels rise too. The main treatment is medicine to help to lower blood pressure and prevent or slow damage to the kidneys.

Other steps you can take:
  • Keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. This can help slow the damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
  • Work with you doctor to keep blood pressure under control. The ideal blood pressure for diabetics is below 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher when you have diabetes.
  • People with kidney disease are at an even higher risk for heart disease so eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. This will help prevent heart and blood vessel disease.
  • Watch how much protein you eat. Eating too much protein can be hard on the kidneys. If diabetes has affected your kidneys you need to limit your protein intake to help preserve kidney function. Talk to your doctor or dietician.
  • Watch your salt intake. Eating less salt keeps high blood pressure from getting worse.
  • Don't smoke and avoid using other tobacco products.