The high glucose (blood sugar) levels that cause diabetes can damage the membranes within the kidneys’ nephrons that are responsible for filtering the blood and forming urine. The kidneys can experience thickening and hardening (sclerosis), which weaken the ability to function.

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can also damage the kidneys. This damage can take a long time to develop and often goes unnoticed for years. People with diabetes are at particular risk for elevated blood pressure, which can cause other diabetic conditions (e.g., retinopathy, cardiovascular conditions).

More than 60 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes have high blood pressure, which puts them at greater risk for diabetic nephropathy. People diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a young age face increased risk of nephropathy, according to recent research.

Unhealthy cholesterol levels (high “bad” LDL or insufficient “good” HDL) in people with diabetes may also lead to the development of nephropathy. Excessive “bad” cholesterol in the bloodstream causes the particles to stick to artery walls and contributes to the buildup of plaque.

Recent research shows that obesity and being overweight are major risk factors for chronic kidney disease, especially in people with high blood pressure.

Some ethnic groups appear to be predisposed to developing diabetic nephropathy. Black Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans all have a higher incidence of developing renal disorders, as well as type 2 diabetes in general.

Pregnancy in diabetic women can cause nephropathy and may potentially affect the fetus. Diabetic women who wish to become pregnant are advised to have a microalbuminuria test for protein in their urine and have their kidney function checked before and during pregnancy. Pregnant women should also have their blood pressure regularly monitored as well.

Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and proteinuria, is more common in diabetic women than nondiabetics. Recent large-scale, long-term research indicates that an episode of preeclampsia increases the mother’s risk of kidney disease later in life.