1500-P: Community Awareness of Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease and Donation Eligibility in San Antonio

Introduction and Objective: Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), yet community awareness of diabetes-related kidney risk remains limited. South Texas has a high burden of diabetes and kidney disease, making public understanding of prevention and disease progression critically important. Methods: A cross-sectional community survey of adults was conducted in San Antonio using in-person outreach in public parks and electronic distribution. The survey assessed recognition of diabetes as a cause of CKD and beliefs about whether diabetes prevents living kidney donation. Knowledge was analyzed across demographic and socioeconomic subgroups. Results: A total of 346 respondents completed the survey (52.6% Hispanic; 66% female). Overall, 71% correctly identified diabetes as a cause of CKD. Recognition did not differ by age (<45 vs ≥45 years). Women demonstrated higher awareness than men (76% vs 63%). Knowledge varied by socioeconomic status: unemployed respondents had lower awareness (55%), and those earning <$40,000 annually were less likely to identify diabetes as a CKD risk factor (66%) compared with higher-income respondents (76%). Awareness increased with educational attainment (high school or less 60%, some college 68%, associate degree 76%, master’s degree 77%). When asked whether diabetes prevents a person from being a kidney donor, 51% believed individuals with diabetes cannot donate a kidney. This misconception did not vary by age, gender, education, or income. Conclusion: In a high-risk South Texas population, recognition of diabetes as a cause of CKD was moderate but uneven across socioeconomic groups, while misconceptions about kidney donation among people with diabetes were common and widespread. These findings highlight the need for targeted, community-based education focused on diabetes-related kidney disease prevention and accurate information about living kidney donation eligibility.