by admin-blog-kh | January 5, 2026 1:10 pm
When we think of diabetes and high blood pressure, we often focus on the risks of heart attacks and strokes. However, many people do not realise that these two common conditions can also quietly harm the kidneys, putting overall health at risk. In India, diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent long-term diseases, yet their silent impact on kidney health[1] is often overlooked. Understanding how these illnesses affect the kidneys and what can be done to prevent damage is crucial for living a healthier, longer life.
Our kidneys are remarkable organs, about the size of a fist, located below the rib cage on either side of the spine. Their main job is to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then eliminated from the body as urine. The kidneys also help balance essential minerals, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that keep our bodies functioning smoothly.
Both diabetes and hypertension harm the blood vessels in the body—and the kidneys are full of delicate blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar (in diabetes) and high blood pressure (hypertension) can injure these vessels, making it harder for the kidneys to filter waste effectively. The worrying part is that this damage often happens slowly and silently. Most people do not realise their kidneys are in trouble until the disease is advanced and symptoms become more noticeable.
If you have diabetes, especially if it is not well controlled, your kidneys are at risk. High blood sugar can gradually wear down the filters in your kidneys, starting with a mild leak of protein into the urine. This condition may not cause any symptoms at first, so it can easily go unnoticed. Over the years, the leakage can become more severe, and the kidneys’ ability to filter blood worsens. Eventually, such damage can lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure, when treatments like dialysis (a process that cleans the blood using a machine) or a kidney transplant may be needed.
The good news is that this process is not inevitable. With effective diabetes management, many people can prevent or delay kidney damage.
Hypertension is a double-edged sword when it comes to kidney health. High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, causing them to stiffen and narrow, which reduces their filtering capacity. At the same time, when the kidneys are damaged (for any reason), they can cause blood pressure to rise even further, because unhealthy kidneys may retain extra salt and water and can also disrupt the hormones that help regulate blood pressure.
Uncontrolled hypertension does not just affect the kidneys—it can also harm the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
One of the main challenges with kidney damage is that it rarely causes symptoms until it is quite advanced. By the time someone experiences swelling in the legs or around the eyes, fatigue, or changes in urination, the kidneys may already be badly damaged.
That is why regular screening is so important for anyone with diabetes or hypertension. A simple blood test to check kidney function (measuring urea and creatinine) and a urine test to detect protein can reveal early problems before symptoms appear. Early detection gives you and your doctor the best chance to protect your kidneys and prevent further damage.
The most important step in preventing kidney damage is to keep diabetes and hypertension well controlled. Here are some practical tips:
Early detection of kidney damage is crucial—effective medications and lifestyle changes can slow disease progression. Diabetes and hypertension often harm kidneys without symptoms, so regular check-ups and early intervention are essential to protect your health.
At Kauvery Hospital, Radial Road[2], our nephrology team[3] offers comprehensive kidney care, including advanced diagnostics, individualised treatment plans, and ongoing management for conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. With expert nephrologists and state-of-the-art facilities, we ensure your kidneys—and your future—are well protected.
Dr Surendar D[4]
Senior Consultant – Nephrology
Kauvery Hospital – Radial Road
How do diabetes and hypertension affect the kidneys?
Both conditions damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, high blood sugar and high blood pressure reduce the kidneys’ ability to filter waste effectively, leading to chronic kidney disease.
Why is kidney damage called “silent” in diabetes and hypertension?
Kidney damage often develops slowly without noticeable symptoms. Many people are unaware of the problem until the disease reaches an advanced stage.
What is diabetic kidney disease?
Diabetic kidney disease occurs when prolonged high blood sugar damages the kidney filters, causing protein to leak into the urine and gradually reducing kidney function.
Can high blood pressure both cause and worsen kidney disease?
Yes. Hypertension can damage kidney blood vessels, and damaged kidneys can further increase blood pressure by retaining salt, water, and affecting hormone balance.
What are the early warning signs of kidney damage?
Early stages usually have no symptoms. Later signs may include swelling of the legs or face, fatigue, changes in urination, and frothy urine.
How can kidney damage be detected early?
Simple blood tests measuring creatinine and urea, along with urine tests for protein, can detect kidney problems before symptoms appear.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
Source URL: https://www.kauveryhospital.com/blog/nephrology/the-silent-damage-how-diabetes-and-hypertension-affect-your-kidneys/
Copyright ©2026 Kauvery Blog unless otherwise noted.