1. Type 2 Diabetes: Learn the Warning Signs
2. Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow
3. Take the Diabetes Quiz!

In this Article

• Kidney Disease of Diabetes Facts*
• The Burden of Kidney Failure
• The Course of Kidney Disease
• Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease
• Effects of High Blood Pressure
• Preventing and Slowing Kidney Disease
• Dialysis and Transplantation
• Good Care Makes a Difference
• Points to Remember
• Hope through Research
• For More Information
• Patient Comments: Diabetes and Kidney Disease - Symptoms
• Find a local Endocrinologist in your town
• Diabetes and Kidney Disease Index

• Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (chronic kidney disease) and kidney failure in the United States
• People with diabetes should be screened regularly for kidney disease. The two key markers for kidney disease are estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin.
• Drugs used to lower blood pressure can slow the progression of kidney disease significantly. Two types of drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have proven effective in slowing the progression of kidney disease.
• In people with diabetes, excessive consumption of protein may be harmful.
• Intensive management of blood glucose has shown great promise for people with diabetes, especially for those in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.

The number of people with diabetes is growing. As a result, the number of people with kidney failure caused by diabetes is also growing. Some experts predict that diabetes soon might account for half the cases of kidney failure. In light of the increasing illness and death related to diabetes and kidney failure, patients, researchers, and health care professionals will continue to benefit by addressing the relationship between the two diseases. The NIDDK is a leader in supporting research in this area.

Several areas of research supported by the NIDDK hold great potential. Discovery of ways to predict who will develop kidney disease may lead to greater prevention, as people with diabetes who learn they are at risk institute strategies such as intensive management of blood glucose and blood pressure control.

Participants in clinical trials can play a more active role in their own health care, gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available, and help others by contributing to medical research. For information about current studies, visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov.