Diabetes is the number one cause of end-stage kidney disease in many developed nations. How rapidly diabetes causes damage to the kidneys depends upon genetic factors, the level of blood sugar control, blood pressure control, and the utilization of kidney protection medications. On average, in T1DM, the prevalence of kidney damage (nephropathy) is about 6% after 1-3 years of having the disease. The prevalence reaches over 50% after having the disease for 20 years. With T2DM, up to 20% of people will have already experienced some amount of kidney damage at the time of diagnosis. (49) There is ongoing research being conducted towards the goal of reversing diabetes-related kidney damage. For the most part, the damage to the kidneys is permanent, with only minor improvements being possible in most cases. That being said, diabetes-related kidney damage can be slowed down by controlling blood sugar levels and blood pressure and by using medications that protect the kidneys.