Which diabetes complication commonly affects the kidneys?

• A. Atherosclerosis
• B. Retinopathy
• C. Neuropathy
• D. Nephropathy

Answer: (D)

Diabetic nephropathy is the kidney-specific complication of diabetes. Chronic high blood glucose and blood pressure damage the kidneys’ filtering units, leading to protein leaking into the urine. Early on, you may see microalbuminuria, which can progress to larger amounts of protein, a falling filtration rate, and ultimately kidney failure if not managed. This makes nephropathy the typical diabetic complication that affects the kidneys. Other options involve different organ systems—vascular disease (atherosclerosis), the eyes (retinopathy), or nerves (neuropathy)—but the kidney-focused issue in diabetes is nephropathy. Regular screening for urine albumin and good glycemic and blood pressure control help protect kidney function.