Diabetes and Kidney Health Over Time

November is National Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness about diabetes and the health problems it can cause over time. This year, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases is encouraging people to take action to help prevent diabetes-related health problems.

Kidney health is an important part of that conversation.

Diabetes is a leading cause of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and kidney damage can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are at higher risk for CKD, making regular kidney testing an important part of ongoing care.

Simple blood and urine tests can help health professionals understand how well the kidneys are working and look for signs of damage. Detecting changes earlier can give patients and their health care teams more opportunity to manage CKD and address factors that may contribute to its progression.

Protecting kidney health over time may also include managing blood glucose and blood pressure, taking medications as prescribed, keeping regular medical appointments, and talking with a health care professional about individual risk factors.

But prevention also depends on access.

People living with diabetes need reliable access to recommended screening, medications, health care professionals, and follow-up services. Making preventive care easier to access can help patients identify kidney problems earlier and stay engaged in managing their health over time.

That is particularly important because CKD often has no symptoms in its early stages. A person may feel well even while changes in kidney function are occurring.

During National Diabetes Month, the Northwest Kidney Council encourages patients with diabetes across Oregon and Washington to keep kidney health part of their ongoing conversations with their health care teams. Regular monitoring and access to preventive care can help patients better understand their kidney health and make informed decisions as their needs change.