A new study in the Journal of Diabetes Investigation shows that what you eat and how much you sleep may play an important role in the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy—a serious kidney problem caused by diabetes. This condition is the leading cause of end-stage kidney failure in the United States, and early treatment is essential to avoid worsening health. Learn what scientists discovered about how unhealthy eating and insufficient sleep can affect your risk of developing or worsening diabetic nephropathy.*

Unhealthy Eating and Poor Sleep Raise Risk

Researchers analyzed data from 2,389 people between the ages of 18 and 64 who had been diagnosed with diabetes. The data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2018. 

Patients with diabetic nephropathy tended to have had:

• Diabetes for a longer time, 
• Higher body mass index (BMI), 
• Worse blood sugar levels, and 
• More complications like eye disease and heart problems.

Two lifestyle habits stood out:

• People with lower scores on the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)—a tool that rates how closely someone’s diet follows nutritional guidelines—were more likely to have kidney disease. 
  • Those with scores below 60%, especially under 40%, faced the highest risk. 
• Those who slept less than five hours per night were also more likely to develop diabetic nephropathy. 

Interestingly, levels of exercise, smoking, and alcohol use did not show a strong link to kidney disease in this study.

Risk Also Depends on Age and Health Status

When researchers looked at specific groups, they found different risk patterns:

• Poor diet was a stronger risk factor for younger people under 50 who had:
  • Normal blood pressure, and 
  • Controlled blood sugar. 
• Short sleep was more strongly tied to kidney disease in older adults, especially those with:
  • High blood pressure,
  • High blood sugar, and/or 
  • High cholesterol.

The study’s authors say this proves lifestyle choices are just as important as medical treatments in managing diabetes. Along with controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, people with diabetes should focus on eating well and getting enough sleep to help protect their kidneys and prevent serious complications.

*Gallagher, A. (2025, May 12). Lifestyle Factors Contribute to Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy. Drug Topics. https://www.drugtopics.com/view/lifestyle-factors-contribute-to-risk-of-diabetic-nephropathy 

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