A new study has found that kidney disease linked to diabetes is becoming more common, even though the overall number of chronic kidney disease cases has remained stable. Researchers say the findings highlight the growing impact of diabetes on kidney health and the need for better prevention strategies.
The kidneys perform several important functions every day. They filter waste from the blood, maintain the body’s mineral balance, and help regulate blood pressure. Because they can continue working even after losing some function, many people do not realize they have kidney disease until it has reached an advanced stage.
Chronic kidney disease affects millions of people around the world. It increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and premature death. Health experts say rising diabetes rates are now changing the pattern of kidney disease in many countries.
The latest research was conducted by a team at Boston University. The researchers reviewed national health data collected between 2013 and 2023. Their findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The study analyzed health information from more than 25,000 adults. Researchers used laboratory tests to measure how well the kidneys filtered waste. They also checked for abnormal protein levels in urine, which can be an early sign of kidney damage.
According to the findings, the percentage of kidney disease cases linked to diabetes increased from 4.7 percent to 5.7 percent during the study period. In comparison, cases not associated with diabetes remained largely unchanged.
The results suggest that diabetes is becoming one of the leading causes of chronic kidney damage. Researchers believe this trend reflects the increasing number of people living with diabetes and related health complications.
The study also highlighted significant health inequalities. Black Americans and people with lower education levels continued to experience much higher rates of chronic kidney disease than other groups.
Researchers also found a strong connection between kidney disease and heart disease. Around one in four people with heart disease also have chronic kidney disease. Doctors say these conditions should be treated together because they often affect each other.
Although newer medicines such as SGLT2 inhibitors and finerenone are available for people with diabetes, the study found they have not yet reduced the overall number of chronic kidney disease cases.
Health experts stress that prevention remains the most effective approach. They recommend preventing diabetes whenever possible, keeping blood sugar under control, managing blood pressure, and having regular kidney health screenings. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications.
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Overall, the study shows that kidney disease is increasingly being driven by diabetes. Researchers say stronger prevention efforts, routine screenings, and better management of diabetes are essential to reduce the long-term burden of chronic kidney disease.
