A March 2025 study suggests that having a family history of diabetes is a much stronger indicator of worsening chronic kidney disease (CKD) than a family history of kidney disease itself. Researchers found that patients with diabetic relatives face significantly higher risks, not only for diabetes-related complications but also for other serious health issues like cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). These findings may change how doctors assess risk and treat CKD, emphasizing the need to take a more thorough look at a patient’s family health history.*

Diabetes in the Family Linked to Higher Risk of Health Problems

The study found that CKD patients with a family history of diabetes were over three times more likely to develop complications related to diabetes. They also had:

• A 48% higher risk of cancer, and 
• A 69% increased risk of cardiovascular disease. 

These outcomes were consistent even after adjusting for other health and genetic factors.

The data came from two large groups of CKD patients: 

• One with 2,573 adults and children, and 
• Another with 3,939 adults. 

Researchers used patient surveys and statistical models to study how family history affected disease progression. Surprisingly, a family history of kidney disease did not show a clear link to how quickly CKD got worse, which challenges common assumptions in medicine.

A New Approach to Managing CKD Risk

Importantly, the study showed that a family history of diabetes predicted faster CKD progression, even in patients who did not have diabetes themselves. This relationship held regardless of their genetic risk, suggesting that environmental or lifestyle factors may also be involved.

Dr. Francesca Zanoni, one of the lead researchers, recommends that doctors make it standard practice to collect detailed family health histories. She also suggests that patients with a diabetic family background may benefit from more active management of:

• Diet, 
• Blood pressure, and 
• Weight. 

Future studies will aim to explore how family history influences kidney health and how it can be used to improve long-term care.

*Carter, S. M. (2025, May 7). Family History of Diabetes May Be Linked to CKD Progression. Nephrology News & Issues. https://www.healio.com/news/nephrology/20250507/family-history-of-diabetes-may-be-linked-to-ckd-progression 

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