How does my disease affect my kidneys?
Diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. 37.3 million adults are currently diagnosed with diabetes. 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease. High blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys. When the blood vessels are damaged, over time they gradually cause your kidneys to fail. When your kidneys fail you will need a transplant or dialysis to stay alive.
Hypertension
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden. These damaged arteries are not able to deliver enough blood to the kidneys. When this happens, the kidneys are not able to remove all wastes and extra fluid from your body which leads to kidney failure, medically labeled as End Stage Renal Disease.
