The kidneys are quiet workers. They clean our blood day and night, and they never complain, until they are badly tired. In diabetes, that tiredness can build up slowly.
What happens to the kidneys?
Each kidney has about a million tiny filters. High sugar and high blood pressure can damage these filters over the years. First they start to leak a little protein called albumin into the urine. Later, they clean the blood less well.
Why early signs are rare
In the early stage there are usually no symptoms at all. Later, people may notice swelling of the feet or face, foamy urine, tiredness, poor appetite or itching. By then, a good part of the kidney function may be lost.
The two simple tests that catch it early
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR): checks for leaking protein.
- Blood creatinine with eGFR: shows how well the kidneys are filtering.
How often?
For most people with type 2 diabetes, both tests are advised at diagnosis and then every year. For type 1, they are usually started a few years after diagnosis. If a test is abnormal, it is repeated to confirm.
How to protect your kidneys
- Keep sugar in your target range.
- Keep blood pressure under control. Many people need a tablet that also protects the kidney; your doctor will decide.
- Avoid taking painkillers like diclofenac or ibuprofen again and again without advice.
- Drink water as advised, and cut down on very salty food.
- Newer diabetes medicines such as SGLT2 inhibitors have shown kidney benefits in some people. Ask your doctor if they suit you.
The takeaway
Kidney damage found early can often be slowed down. Found late, it is harder. A urine test and a blood test once a year can make all the difference.
If you live in Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla or Tellapur, or work in the Financial District or Nanakramguda, a simple blood sugar check is available at our clinic in Gopanpally, Gachibowli. You can read more about our diabetes care or contact us to book a visit.
Keep reading
Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
References
- American Diabetes Association. Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025. Diabetes Care 2025;48(Suppl 1). https://diabetesjournals.org/care/issue/48/Supplement_1
- KDIGO 2022 Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Int 2022;102(5S):S1-S127.
- Anjana RM et al. ICMR-INDIAB study. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023;11(7):474-489. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00119-5