The most common causes of kidney damage are diabetes and high blood pressure, according to available data. These conditions, when poorly managed, can significantly impair kidney function over time.
Common Culprits: Diabetes and Hypertension
| Cause | Mechanism of Damage |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | Unmanaged diabetes leads to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste effectively. |
| High Blood Pressure | High blood pressure (hypertension) can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, making them less efficient at filtering waste and regulating fluids, eventually leading to kidney failure. |
Diabetes: A Closer Look
- Hyperglycemia: Consistently high blood sugar directly harms the nephrons (filtering units) within the kidneys.
- Long-Term Effects: Over time, this damage reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood, potentially leading to kidney failure.
High Blood Pressure: A Silent Threat
- Vascular Damage: Elevated blood pressure puts stress on the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, weakening and scarring them.
- Reduced Filtration: Damaged blood vessels are less effective at filtering waste, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body.
