If you have diabetes, there’s a conversation you may never have had — and it matters: diabetes is the number-one cause of kidney disease. About four in ten adults with diabetes have it. And in the early stages, it’s completely silent.
Why the connection? Your kidneys are filled with tiny, delicate filters. Chronically high blood sugar slowly wears on them — quietly, over years, usually with no symptoms until a meaningful amount of function is already gone. Often the very first sign is something only a simple urine test can catch, long before you’d ever feel it.
Now the hopeful part, and the reason I find this work so rewarding: the thing damaging the kidneys here — blood sugar — is also one of the most changeable things there is. Better, steadier blood sugar measurably protects those filters. The same daily choices that steady your glucose also protect your kidneys and your heart. You are not powerless in this. Far from it.
I won’t lay out the full plan here, because the right plan depends on you — your numbers, your stage, your whole picture. But I want you to leave knowing two things: ask your doctor about a simple kidney check (eGFR and a urine ACR), and know that there is real, hopeful work to be done.
Want to protect your kidneys at the source? Explore Kidney Health →
About Naturopathic Doctor Randi Shannon, ND
Randi Shannon is a Doctor of Naturopathy (Trinity School of Natural Health) with more than 20 years of experience helping people with chronic and complex conditions heal naturally, from the root, and alongside their medical team. She is known for her signature face, tongue, and fingernail analysis. Virtual consultations are available nationwide. 📞 844-275-1056
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Naturopathic care complements and does not replace the advice of your physician. Please consult your doctor for personalized medical advice.