Even Slightly Elevated Blood Sugar Levels Linked To Kidney Damage

Even slightly elevated blood sugar levels may be linked to kidney damage, according to a recent study.

Researchers examined individuals whose borderline sugar levels--ranging on diabetic--showed an increased risk of kidney issues. Previous research shows that diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure.

"Our research shows that the pathological process of kidney injury caused by elevated blood glucose levels starts in prediabetes, well before the onset of diabetes," study author Dr. Toralf Melsom, an associate professor and senior consultant in the nephrology department at University Hospital of North Norway, said in a news release. 

During the study, researchers examined 1,300 patients between the ages of 50 and 62. Before the study started, 595 had prediabetes that developed into diabetes within 10 years. They were followed for a median of 5.6 years.

Prediabetes affects up to 35 percent of adults -- twice as many people as diabetes, researchers say. Furthermore, statistics show that close to half of individuals with prediabetes develop diabetes within 10 years.

When researchers adjusted for certain lifestyle factors as well as medications, they discovered that patients with prediabetes had early signs of kidney damage that included high levels of a protein called albumin in their urine.

The study touches on how health officials should pay extra attention to individuals with slightly elevated blood sugar. These patients should focus on lifestyle changes that can prevent the risk of diabetes, including healthier eating, exercising more and weight loss.

The study is published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

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