Definition: Kidney

The kidneys are a pair of organs that are found on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage in the back. Kidneys:

filter waste materials out of the blood and pass them out of the body as urine
regulate blood pressure and the levels of water, salts, and minerals in the body
produce hormones that control other body functions

Damage to the kidneys can occur in people who have had diabetes for many years, particularly if the diabetes is not well controlled.