Diabetes linked to increased risks of heart disease and kidney failure

Medical experts are highlighting the significant risks that diabetes poses to cardiovascular and renal health. Dr. Ashwin Mehta of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital describes diabetes as a “very big driver of heart disease,” noting that hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and systemic inflammation can cause endothelial dysfunction by damaging blood vessel linings. The condition often coincides with increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, heightening the risk of plaque deposition and heart attacks.

Additionally, diabetes and high blood pressure are primary contributors to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Dr. Aditya K Sharma notes that high blood sugar can damage the kidneys' filtering structures over time, often without immediate symptoms. This damage can be identified early through the presence of albumin in urine. The relationship between high blood pressure and kidney disease is cyclical, as uncontrolled blood pressure damages delicate renal vessels, while kidney disease can further contribute to hypertension.