Which condition is associated with end-stage renal disease and kidney failure in adults with diabetes?

End-stage renal disease and kidney failure in adults with diabetes are primarily associated with nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a specific type of kidney damage that occurs as a complication of diabetes, characterized by the damage to the blood vessels in the kidneys. Over time, high blood sugar levels can lead to the accumulation of excess glucose in the kidneys, causing stress and damage to the kidney tissues. This often results in the kidneys' inability to filter waste effectively, eventually leading to renal failure if not managed appropriately.

In the context of diabetes, nephropathy typically develops after many years of having the disease, especially when blood glucose levels and blood pressure are poorly controlled. Monitoring kidney function through routine checks like urine tests for albumin and blood tests for creatinine is critical for early detection and management.

Other conditions mentioned, while they can be complications of diabetes, do not lead directly to end-stage renal disease. For example, neuropathy involves nerve damage, often causing pain or loss of feeling in extremities, while retinopathy refers to damage to the retina that can lead to vision problems. Hepatitis is primarily related to liver inflammation and does not have a direct connection to renal failure linked specifically to diabetes. Therefore, nephropathy is the correct association