Why Some People with Diabetes Need Dialysis – and How to Protect Your Kidneys
Living with diabetes means managing more than just blood sugar — it also means taking care of your kidneys, the body’s natural filters.
Over time, high blood sugar can quietly damage those filters, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, in some cases, the need for dialysis.
If you’ve ever wondered why diabetic people go on dialysis or how to prevent it, this guide breaks it all down in plain language.
🩸 What Dialysis Does
Your kidneys normally clean waste and extra fluid from your blood.
When they stop working properly, dialysis acts as an artificial kidney — cleaning your blood, balancing minerals, and keeping your body alive and stable.
People usually need dialysis when their kidneys lose 85–90% of function, often due to long-term complications of diabetes or high blood pressure.
⚠️ Why Diabetes Affects the Kidneys
Diabetes can cause damage to the tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) that act as kidney filters.
Over years, high glucose levels and high blood pressure can lead to:
Leaking protein into urine (called proteinuria)
Buildup of waste in the blood
Swelling in the feet, hands, and eyes
Fatigue and nausea
If untreated, kidney damage can progress to End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — where dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary.
🩺 Early Signs to Watch For
Detecting kidney issues early can make a huge difference.
See your doctor if you notice:
Foamy or bubbly urine
Swelling in ankles or legs
Constant fatigue
Changes in blood pressure
Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels
Your provider can run simple urine and blood tests (checking creatinine and eGFR) to spot kidney damage before it’s too late.
💪 How to Protect Your Kidneys
Even with diabetes, you can often avoid or delay dialysis by staying consistent with care:
Keep A1C around 6.5–7% (as advised by your doctor)
Maintain blood pressure under 130/80 mmHg
Drink enough water daily
Limit sodium, alcohol, and processed foods
Avoid smoking
Get annual kidney screenings
Small daily habits add up — protecting your kidneys also means protecting your overall energy and lifespan.
💬 The Bottom Line
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment, but it’s also a reminder of how important early diabetes care truly is.
By keeping your blood sugar and blood pressure under control — and getting regular kidney checkups — you can stay far away from dialysis and keep your body running strong.
🌐 Stay Informed and Take Control
If you or someone you know has extra diabetic supplies — Dexcom sensors, Libre sensors, Omnipods, or test strips — don’t let them go to waste.
Turn them into same-day cash through our trusted service:
📧 getcashfordiabeticsupplies@gmail.com
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