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Kidney and bladder health

People with diabetes are more likely to develop kidney problems and bladder infections. Kidney problems cause less damage when detected and treated early.

Changes to your immune system can make you more vulnerable to infection.

You can reduce the risk by:

  • keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range
  • keeping your blood pressure as close to your target range as possible.

Work with your diabetes health professionals to keep your blood glucose levels and blood pressure as close to your target ranges as possible.

Read more in our fact sheets or listen to our podcast.

Looking after your kidneys fact sheet

Your kidneys filter your blood to get rid of waste and toxins from your body. They also regulate your blood pressure. Ask your doctor how often you should have a kidney check.

Download now
Diabetes-related complications fact sheet

Looking after your diabetes is important for your long-term health. If your diabetes is well managed and you take care of your general health, you can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Download now
Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
Annual cycle of care podcast series

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it.

Available in other languages Listen now

Contact your doctor immediately if you think you have a bladder of kidney infection.

Symptoms can include:

  • cloudy or bloody urine
  • feeling the need to or passing urine more often
  • and/or a ‘burning’ feeling when passing urine.

Kidney problems must be picked up as soon as possible. Early detection is the best way to prevent more damage.

Speak to your doctor or diabetes health professional about what you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy.

In the early stages of kidney disease, you may not be aware of any signs or symptoms. That is why it is important to have regular kidney checks as part of your annual diabetes health check.

Ask your doctor how often you should have a kidney check.

To help you manage your diabetes and reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications, work with your diabetes health professional to set goals and fill in a personalised Information Prescription. Information Prescriptions help you understand and improve your health targets to manage your diabetes. Read more in our Information Prescriptions.

Diabetes—keeping your kidneys healthy Information Prescription

About a third of people with diabetes go on to develop kidney problems. Blood and urine tests can show early signs of any damage and help you keep your kidneys healthy.

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Diabetes and kidney disease Information Prescription

About a third of people with diabetes develop kidney problems. Talk with your doctor, or diabetes health care team about ways you can reduce your risk of health complications.

Download

It is essential to do an annual cycle of care to find any health problems early. Without regular checks, diabetes can lead to health problems that can affect your whole body, including your kidneys, eyes, feet, nerves and heart. Ask your doctor for the timing of health checks and targets that meet your individual health needs.

Read more in our fact sheet or listen to our podcast.

Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now
Annual cycle of care podcast series

Listen to our Annual cycle of care podcast series to learn more about what it is, why it’s important, and what you need to know about it.

Available in other languages Listen now

More information and support

Find a dietitian near you

Call Dietitians Australia on 1800 812 942 or you can find an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) on their website.

Go to Dietitians Australia
Find a health service or health professional near you

Go to healthdirect to find a diabetes health service or diabetes health professional on their website.

Go to Healthdirect

Featured resources

Looking after your kidneys fact sheet

Your kidneys filter your blood to get rid of waste and toxins from your body. They also regulate your blood pressure. Ask your doctor how often you should have a kidney check.

Download now
Diabetes-related complications fact sheet

Looking after your diabetes is important for your long-term health. If your diabetes is well managed and you take care of your general health, you can reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Download now
Your diabetes annual cycle of care fact sheet

The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing your diabetes management and general health each year.

Download now

Diabetes Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this Country. We recognise their connection to land, waters, winds and culture. We pay the upmost respect to them, their cultures and to their Elders, past and present. We are committed to improving health outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by diabetes and those at risk.

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