Which of the following is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Vitamin C Deficiency
• C. Regular Exercise
• D. High Calcium Diet

Answer: (A)

Chronic kidney disease develops when ongoing damage to the kidneys reduces their filtering ability over time. Diabetes is a major risk factor because long-standing high blood glucose damages the small vessels in the kidneys, a pattern known as diabetic nephropathy. Hyperglycemia causes changes such as thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and expansion of the mesangium, leading to scarring and a decline in filtration function. Over years, this microvascular injury often shows up as albumin in the urine and a decreasing glomerular filtration rate, progressing toward CKD. Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure in diabetes can substantially lower this risk, underscoring why diabetes is the most important factor among common choices.

As for the other options, vitamin C deficiency isn’t recognized as a CKD risk factor; regular exercise tends to protect against CKD by improving blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and weight management; a high calcium diet is not a standard risk factor for CKD in the general population.