What is one of the main causes of kidney disease?

Diabetes is one of the main causes of kidney disease due to the way it affects the body over time. When blood sugar levels remain high, this can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. This condition, known as diabetic nephropathy, leads to a gradual decline in kidney function and can ultimately result in kidney failure if not managed properly. Effective management of blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and lifestyle changes can help prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease in individuals with diabetes.

While high blood pressure, obesity, and smoking are also significant risk factors for kidney disease, diabetes has a direct and well-established link, making it a primary cause specifically noted in medical literature. High blood pressure can occur as a result of kidney problems or can exacerbate them, and obesity and smoking can contribute to diabetes or high blood pressure, but diabetes itself stands out as one of the most significant direct causes of kidney disease.