Today diabetes is counted among the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. In 2002, 6.3 percent of all Americans were reportedly diabetic, with more than a million new cases being diagnosed each year. Even more disturbing is the fact that a large percentage of the people believed to be diabetics are not aware they have the disease.

Without being diagnosed, the glucose levels of diabetics are likely allowed to remain out of control, which can lead to cardiovascular complications, kidney disease, blindness, and ketoacidosis, which increases the ketones and acid content of the blood, eventually resulting in nausea, vomiting, coma, and even death in severe cases. With the proper medical attention, diabetics are usually able to effectively manage their disease through diet, exercise, and in some cases, insulin injections or oral medications.

The kidneys are organs that primarily function in the filtration of blood. As blood passes through them, urea, toxins and other waste products are separated from the substances the body needs to retain (water, electrolytes, protein, etc.) and concentrated to form urine, which can then be excreted. Diabetes, however, can gradually deteriorate this system. The high levels of glucose in the blood characteristic of diabetes requires extra work from the kidneys, which attempt to filter the sugar out, resulting in the sweet smelling urine that is commonly associated with the disease.

When symptoms of diabetes-related kidney damage begin to develop, they may include fluid accumulation, upset stomach, insomnia, weakness, loss of appetite, and loss of concentration. By the time such signs appear, the impairment of the kidneys is often so extensive that dialysis or a kidney transplant is required. Since individuals diagnosed with diabetes are known to be at an elevated risk for kidney damage, however, they usually undergo periodic testing that enables any decrease in the filtration capability of the organs to be detected much earlier. A simple analysis of the urine for traces of protein is often enough to determine whether or not any kidney damage is present.

Type-II diabetics are usually capable of maintaining their blood sugar levels in their target range simply through dietary and lifestyle changes, though some of them, as well as all of Type-I diabetics, require a regimen of insulin injections or oral medications. High blood pressure is another factor that greatly increases the likelihood that a diabetic will suffer kidney damage. Consuming less salt in the diet, losing weight, obtaining regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products are some key ways to lower blood pressure naturally, though various blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, are also available for those who need additional help.

Diabetes at 10x Magnification - Over time, all of the extra strain on the kidneys of diabetics can cause significant damage, eventually interfering with their ability to properly filter the blood.

Diabetes at 40x Magnification - When regions of the kidneys begin to be less efficient at filtration, other parts work extra hard in order to compensate. Consequently, diabetes-related kidney damage may not be noticed until almost all functionality is lost.

Diabetes at 20x Magnification - Though kidney damage is a common complication of diabetes, not all diabetics experience it. Individuals that are able to consistently maintain their blood sugar levels in their target range are much less likely to develop kidney damage than those who do not.