The cause of chronic kidney disease isn't always known. But any
condition or disease that damages blood vessels or other structures in the
kidneys can lead to kidney disease. The most common causes of chronic kidney
disease are:
Diabetes . High blood sugar levels caused by diabetes damage blood vessels in
the kidneys. If the blood sugar level remains high over many years, this damage
gradually reduces the function of the kidneys.
High blood pressure (hypertension). Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages
blood vessels, which can lead to damage in the kidneys. And blood pressure
often rises with chronic kidney disease, so high blood pressure may further damage
kidney function even when another medical condition initially caused the
disease.