What People With Diabetes Know—and Don't Know—About Kidney Damage

Diabetic nephropathy—damage to the kidneys caused by high blood sugar over time—is a serious concern for people living with diabetes. But how much do patients actually know about this complication? A recent study surveyed 410 people with diabetes in Shanghai, China to find out.

The findings reveal a sobering picture: on average, participants scored just 5.63 out of a possible scale on a knowledge test about diabetic nephropathy. Even more striking, about 64% of the people surveyed had not been diagnosed with kidney damage, yet their knowledge about preventing it remained limited.

The study identified several factors linked to better knowledge about kidney complications. People with Type 1 diabetes scored higher on knowledge tests than those with Type 2 diabetes. Higher income was also associated with greater understanding, as was being male (women in the study were less likely to have adequate knowledge).

Why does knowledge matter? The research shows a clear connection: patients who understand diabetic nephropathy better are more likely to take action to protect their kidney health. For every increase in knowledge score, the likelihood of taking proactive steps roughly increased by 32%.

Understanding the kidney damage caused by diabetes is only part of the story. The study also measured attitudes—how people feel about managing this complication—and practices, or the actual steps they take.

Interestingly, patients who had experienced another diabetes complication, such as retinopathy (eye damage), showed different attitudes toward managing kidney health. This suggests that experiencing one complication may shape how people view and prioritize other health risks.

The bottom line: knowledge alone is not enough. When patients understand the risks, feel motivated about managing them, and have the resources to take action, they are more likely to engage in protective practices.

These findings highlight the importance of patient education about diabetic nephropathy. Many people with diabetes may not realize how serious kidney complications can be or what steps they can take to protect themselves.

The study suggests that education efforts could be more effective if they take into account differences in income, gender, and type of diabetes. Tailored information and support may help close the knowledge gap and empower more people to take action before kidney damage occurs.

Source: BMJ open. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.