How can diabetes affect creatinine levels?

Diabetes can cause elevated creatinine levels by damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys, a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. High blood sugar levels damage the kidneys’ filtering units, leading to reduced kidney function over time. As kidney function declines, creatinine levels rise, indicating that the kidneys are not effectively filtering waste. Managing diabetes through blood sugar control, medications, and lifestyle changes can help protect kidney function and prevent creatinine levels from rising.