How can diabetes impact kidney function?

Diabetes can significantly impact kidney function, primarily through a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. This is a serious complication that arises due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can damage the nephrons—the basic structural and functional units of the kidneys. Over time, the increased glucose levels lead to damage in the blood vessels within the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. As diabetic nephropathy progresses, it can result in protein leakage into the urine, decreased kidney function, and eventually lead to end-stage renal disease, where dialysis or kidney transplantation may become necessary.

In contrast to the other options, the assertion that diabetes has no effect on kidney function is inaccurate, as clinical studies consistently demonstrate the renal complications associated with diabetes. While diabetes can contribute to the formation of kidney stones due to high levels of calcium or oxalates in urine, this is less directly correlated to kidney function decline than diabetic nephropathy. The claim that diabetes could improve kidney function is misleading; in fact, uncontrolled diabetes typically exacerbates kidney issues rather than alleviating them. Understanding the direct link between diabetes and kidney health is critical for managing both conditions effectively.