People who have diabetes risk developing kidney disease, an endocrinologist has warned.

Throughout March, which is National Kidney Month, Annabel Fountain, from Fountain Health, is highlighting the importance of healthy kidneys.

She says that diabetics should get screened for chronic kidney disease, which affects around one in every three adults with diabetes, at least once a year as the main way to stop the disease from progressing is detecting it early.

She said: “Blood sugar control is imperative, but other factors may also contribute to kidney damage, such as high blood pressure, gout and certain medications.

“Unfortunately, individuals often don’t make the changes needed until significant damage has occurred.”

Chronic kidney disease can lead to end-stage renal disease, when patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Dr Fountain added: “The progression of CKD to end-stage renal disease can be halted or delayed through lifestyle changes, medications and other factors.

“If you do not know you have it, you may find out when it is too late to make a difference.”

People can visit fountainhealth.bm for more information on diabetes and kidney disease.