Excessive consumption of sugar does more than just elevate blood glucose. It tends to overwork the kidneys, especially for insulin-resistant or undiagnosed prediabetic individuals. The kidneys strain to filter excess glucose from the blood. When blood sugar is consistently high, it gets harder for them to do so. It can, however, over time harm the blood vessels within the kidneys and result in reduced function. Reducing consumption of sweetened drinks, processed meals, and refined carbs can alleviate the kidneys’ workload, allowing them to function at their best.