Diabetic Kidney Disease
How diabetes damages the kidneys, how diabetic kidney disease is detected early, and how its progression is slowed.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in India. Sustained high blood glucose injures the small vessels of the kidney filters, a process termed diabetic nephropathy.
Early detection
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio — the earliest measurable sign
- eGFR from a blood test
- Annual screening for everyone with diabetes
Slowing progression
- Tight blood sugar control, judged by HbA1c over time
- Blood-pressure control, often with ACE inhibitors or ARBs
- Reducing salt and avoiding nephrotoxic painkillers
- Not smoking
Unproven remedies
No supplement or cleanse reverses diabetic kidney damage. Some herbal preparations harm compromised kidneys; discuss everything with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can diabetic kidney disease be reversed?
Early changes can be slowed or partly improved with firm control, but established scarring is generally not reversible.
How often should diabetics have their kidneys checked?
At least annually with a urine albumin and eGFR test, more often if either is abnormal.