Kidney failure due to diabetes is a condition called diabetic nephropathy. It is a type of kidney
disease that occurs as a result of long-term uncontrolled diabetes. High blood sugar levels over
time can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to a decrease in kidney
function. The kidneys have small blood vessels that filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.
When these vessels are damaged, the kidneys are unable to filter properly, and waste products
build up in the body. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness,
nausea, and swelling in the legs and ankles.
If left untreated, diabetic nephropathy can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is
a complete loss of kidney function. At this point, the only treatment options are dialysis or a
kidney transplant.