A new international study has found that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at a younger age face a much higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and other kidney complications compared to those diagnosed later in life.

The research, published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, shows that the earlier diabetes begins, particularly before age 40, the greater the long-term impact on kidney health.

As early-onset diabetes becomes more common worldwide, these findings highlight the urgent need for prevention, early diagnosis, and proactive management to protect kidney function.*

What the Study Looked At

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong and several UK institutions analyzed health data from millions of patients between 2008 and 2013, comparing people with and without type 2 diabetes.

• The study included more than 300,000 people with T2D and over 8 million people without diabetes across two large populations (UK and Hong Kong).
• Participants were grouped by age at diabetes diagnosis, ranging from 18 to over 80 years old.
• Researchers tracked rates of CKD, declining kidney function, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) over about a decade of follow-up.

What the Researchers Found

The results were striking:

• People diagnosed with diabetes before age 40 had the highest risk for developing kidney problems.
• In the UK group, younger adults with diabetes were nearly:
  • 2 times more likely to develop CKD,
  • 5 times more likely to experience declining kidney function, and
  • 4.5 times more likely to develop kidney failure (ESRD), compared to peers without diabetes.
• The risk decreased gradually with older age at diagnosis. For those diagnosed at 80 or older, the risk of kidney disease was only slightly higher than average.

Similar trends were observed in the Hong Kong population suggesting the pattern is consistent across regions and ethnic groups.

“Early-onset type 2 diabetes was identified to be associated with worse physical health outcomes, including increased renal complications,” the authors wrote.

Why Early-Onset Diabetes Poses Greater Risks

The researchers believe that younger people live longer with diabetes, giving the condition more time to damage small blood vessels in the kidneys. Early-onset T2D is also linked to more severe metabolic problems, like high blood sugar, inflammation, and high blood pressure, which all accelerate kidney damage.

These findings align with what doctors already know:

• The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of CKD.
• Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol is essential to protecting kidney health.

What This Means for You

If you have diabetes or have a family history of it, this study reinforces how important it is to:

1. Get tested early and regularly. Early detection of both diabetes and CKD can slow or prevent disease progression. A simple blood and urine test can help track kidney function.
2. Control blood sugar and blood pressure. Keeping A1C levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol in a healthy range protects your kidneys from stress and inflammation.
3. Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Eating balanced meals, staying active, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce risk.
4. Work closely with your care team. If you were diagnosed with diabetes before age 40, ask your doctor how often you should have kidney function tests. You may need more frequent monitoring.

“Preventing diabetes from a young age and prioritizing management of early-onset T2D is key to reducing the global burden of kidney complications,” the authors emphasized.

What You Can Do If You’re Living With CKD and Diabetes

For many people in our community, diabetes and CKD go hand-in-hand. While this study highlights risks, it also underscores the power of early action and consistent care.

If you already live with both conditions:

• Keep taking medications as prescribed.
• Attend all lab and doctor appointments.
• Ask your doctor about kidney-friendly diets and whether you qualify for SGLT2 inhibitors or other protective therapies.
• Celebrate progress! Every small improvement in your lab results or daily habits matters.

* Medscape (October 28, 2025). “Early Onset of Diabetes May Raise Risk for Kidney Disease”. medscape.com

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