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Diabetes is a major risk factor for the development of kidney disease, particularly through a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. When blood sugar levels remain elevated over time, it can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. This is due to the kidneys' role in filtering waste products from the blood; when their function deteriorates, waste accumulates, and can further exacerbate health issues.
High blood sugar levels can also lead to hypertension, which further contributes to kidney damage. Therefore, managing diabetes effectively through diet, exercise, and medication can dramatically reduce the risk of developing kidney-related complications.
The other options do not correctly represent this relationship. Kidneys do not cause diabetes, and both types of diabetes—Type 1 and Type 2—can lead to kidney disease, so it's inaccurate to suggest that only Type 1 diabetes has an impact on kidney health.