Final answer:
The two most common causes of end-stage renal disease are diabetes and hypertension, both of which can lead to significant damage to the kidneys and their ability to filter blood effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two most common causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) include diabetes and hypertension. Diabetes can lead to a specific type of kidney damage known as diabetic nephropathy, a progressive kidney disease that is caused by damage to the capillaries in the glomeruli due to high levels of glucose in the blood, especially when diabetes is poorly controlled. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another leading cause of ESRD because it can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys and reduce their filtering capability over time.