How Does Diabetes Affect the Kidneys?

You may not realize what an affect diabetes can actually have on your kidneys, but diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure. When left unmanaged, diabetes can severely affect your body and its ability to properly function without failure. Your doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians in Des Moines, IA, diabetes and kidneys are related and why it’s important to manage your diabetes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Diabetes and Kidneys

  1. How does diabetes affect the body?

    Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin that is made. Insulin controls the level of sugar in the body and when you have a high or low blood sugar, it can negatively impact your body and cause further issues.
  2. How does diabetes affect the kidneys?

    There are filters in the kidneys that are filled with small blood vessels. When you’re dealing with high sugar levels in the blood, these vessels can become scarred or clogged and won’t properly filter through the kidney. Your doctor in Des Moines, IA, can help manage your diabetes and kidneys and make sure that this doesn’t happen. When your kidneys don’t function properly, you could be at risk for kidney disease.
  3. How can you prevent kidney failure from diabetes?

    The best way to prevent kidney failure from occurring is by making sure that your diabetes is managed. This will mean checking your blood sugar regularly and making sure that your levels are normal.

Contact Your Doctor Today!

Find out how diabetes can affect your kidneys and other parts of your body. Contact your doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians in Des Moines, IA, to learn more about the connection between diabetes and kidneys and how you can keep your kidneys healthy and working properly. Call for more information and to schedule an appointment today at (515) 336-6557 for the office in Methodist Plaza and (515) 243-3161 for the office in Riverpoint.