Renal failure and diabetes

The kidneys, which work in pairs, clean the body and keep the circulatory system functioning. Around 1,700 liters of blood flow through the kidneys every day for filtering. Inorganic and organic ions, amino acids, small protein molecules, glucose and vitamins are then fed back into the blood.

If the kidneys are no longer able to maintain this function, this is described as renal failure (kidney failure). As a consequence, a life-threatening build-up of toxic substances (uremia) may occur in the body.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes is a metabolic condition in which the hormone insulin no longer has an effect on the body for various reasons. The hormone produced by the pancreas channels glucose for energy into the muscles and liver.

The long-term effects of diabetes on the kidneys

Long-term diabetes mellitus is one of the major risk factors for renal failure. If the concentration of glucose circulating in the blood is too high, this has a toxic effect on the cells.

Diabetes mellitus type II in particular is mostly accompanied by other illnesses that affect the kidneys such as high blood pressure, excess weight or obesity, an inactive lifestyle, and high cholesterol levels. In the long term, it is high blood pressure, in addition to diabetes, that mainly damages the kidneys and, due to higher pressure in the kidneys, leads more quickly to kidney failure.

The relationship between renal failure and diabetes

The kidneys can only filter out and return to the bloodstream a certain amount of glucose. If the amount of glucose is too high, the excess sugar is eliminated through the urine along with a large amount of water (glycosuria). The urine becomes sweet ('diabetes mellitus' means 'honey-sweet urine' in Greek).

To prevent impaired kidney function or failure, healthy blood glucose levels and blood pressure are absolutely essential.

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