Version 1.0.0, 1 July 2026. 003019-NDSS Key facts Living with diabetes can affect your kidneys and cause a condition called diabetes-related kidney disease. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys, meaning your kidneys may not work as well. Regular kidney health checks can help find signs of kidney problems early, before symptoms start. There are treatments available for diabetes-related kidney disease. You can help keep your kidneys healthy by managing your diabetes and blood pressure. Related pages Diabetes health checks Blood glucose monitoring Diabetes and your kidneys information prescription Healthy eating Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page Diabetes and your kidneys Symptoms of diabetes-related kidney disease Keeping your kidneys healthy Kidney health checks Treatment for diabetes-related kidney disease When to see a health professional What this means for you More information and support Diabetes and your kidneys Having diabetes can affect your kidneys. It can cause a condition called diabetes-related kidney disease. This is also sometimes called diabetic nephropathy, or diabetic kidney disease. Most people who develop diabetes-related kidney disease have had diabetes for many years. Over time, high blood glucose (sugar) levels can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys. This damage means that your kidneys may not work as well as they should. Your risk of diabetes-related kidney disease is higher if you: have had diabetes for a long time have family members with high blood pressure or heart disease are aged over 60 years are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged over 18 years. Symptoms of diabetes-related kidney disease In the early stages of kidney disease, most people do not notice any symptoms. This is why it is important to have regular kidney health checks. If diabetes-related kidney disease gets worse, symptoms may develop. These can include: feeling tired reduced appetite changes in how much urine (pee) you pass headaches trouble concentrating feeling breathless nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick). Keeping your kidneys healthy There are several things you can do to help reduce your risk of diabetes-related kidney disease. These include: managing your diabetes to keep your blood glucose levels in your target range as much as possible keeping your blood pressure in the healthy range having regular kidney health checks. Speak with your doctor or nurse practitioner about what you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy. Kidney health checks Kidney health checks can find kidney problems early, before you have symptoms. Finding kidney problems early means you can start treatment at an early stage. This is when it is most effective. People should have a kidney health check once a year. This involves a: Urine test to check for protein, which can be a sign of kidney problems Blood test to check how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. Your doctor will also check your blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to kidney damage, and kidney disease can also raise blood pressure. Regular checks help protect your kidney health. Your doctor may recommend more tests if your kidney health check shows any signs of kidney problems. Treatment for diabetes-related kidney disease Healthy lifestyle changes Healthy lifestyle changes can help in the early stages of diabetes-related kidney disease. These changes are similar to those used to manage diabetes. They can include: a healthy eating plan that is low in salt and sugar being physically active on most days not smoking or vaping cutting down on how much alcohol you drink. It’s also important to keep your blood glucose levels and your blood pressure in your target ranges as much as possible. Medicines There are medicines your doctor can prescribe to: lower your blood pressure treat high cholesterol slow down further damage to your kidneys. For advanced kidney disease If kidney disease becomes severe, your doctor may recommend: seeing a dietitian about a kidney-friendly eating plan dialysis a kidney transplant. When to see your health professional See your health professional: for your regular kidney health checks if you have any symptoms of kidney problems if you have any questions about diabetes and kidney health. What this means for you Over time, diabetes can damage your kidneys. As there are no symptoms in the early stages of diabetes-related kidney disease, it’s important you have regular kidney health checks to find any problems early. Managing your diabetes can help reduce your risk, and if you do develop diabetes-related kidney disease, there are treatments available. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700 and ask to speak to a health professional about managing your diabetes. Find a diabetes educator at the Australian Diabetes Educators Association. Find a dietitian near you at Dietitians Australia. Find out more about diabetes and how to manage it by accessing NDSS support programs and information sessions. Find out more about kidney health at Kidney Health Australia. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources RACGP; Diabetes Australia. Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice. Diabetes-related chronic kidney disease (Last revised 1 Aug 2025). https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/management-of-type-2-diabetes/complications/diabetes-related-chronic-kidney-disease (accessed Dec 2025). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care (5th edition). Kidney Health Australia (Melbourne, 2024). https://kidney.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/KHA-CKD-Handbook-5th-Ed-July2024.pdf (accessed Dec 2025). Kidney Health Australia. Diabetic kidney disease (July 2023). https://kidney.org.au/your-kidneys/what-is-kidney-disease/types-of-kidney-disease/diabetic-kidney-disease/ (accessed Dec 2025). Chadban S, Howell M, Twigg S, et al. National Evidence Based Guideline for Diagnosis, Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Australia and the NHMRC, Canberra 2009. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/National-Evidence-Based-Guideline-for-Diagnosis-Prevention-and-Management-of-Chronic-Kidney-Disease.pdf (accessed Dec 2025).
