Published: 18 May, 2026 With living costs climbing, it’s easy to joke about needing to sell a kidney. But these bean-shaped organs play a key role in keeping our bodies healthy. Over time, diabetes can affect how well your kidneys work. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to look after your kidneys and support your long-term health. What your kidneys do Think of your kidneys as your body’s natural filtration and balancing system. They help to: filter waste from your blood, which leaves your body as urine balance fluids, controlling how much fluid stays in your body balance minerals, such as sodium, phosphate, and calcium control blood pressure by managing fluid levels and releasing hormones support red blood cell production through hormone release keep your bones healthy by helping activate vitamin D. How diabetes can affect your kidneys High blood glucose levels above your target range over time can damage small blood vessels in your kidneys. When this happens, the kidneys cannot filter blood as well as they should. High blood pressure, which is common in people with diabetes, can also damage the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney damage. Early kidney damage often has no symptoms, which is why regular kidney checks and following a healthy lifestyle are so important. Keeping your kidneys healthy You can look after your kidneys in these ways. Keep your blood glucose levels within your target range: Healthy eating, regular physical activity and taking prescribed medications can help. Talk to your health professional if you need support. Keep your blood pressure within your target range: Healthy lifestyle changes, and if needed, medication can help protect your kidneys. Talk to your health professional(s) for advice. Don’t smoke: Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys and increases damage. For support quitting, call the Quitline on 13 7848. Manage cholesterol levels: Eating less saturated can help lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol and protect blood vessels, including those in your kidneys. A medication called a statin may also be recommended. Eat a healthy balanced diet: Limit processed foods, fatty foods, salt, and alcohol. Focus on vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, and stay hydrated with water. Be active: Aim for 30 minutes or more of activity that raises your heart rate on most days of the week. Choose activities that you enjoy and can maintain. Limit the amount of time you spend being sedentary (inactive). Use the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) information prescription ‘Diabetes and your kidneys’ with your health professional to help you understand and manage your kidney health targets. Have regular kidney checks Kidney problems can often be found early with regular checks. As part of your annual diabetes health checks, your doctor or diabetes specialist will arrange: a urine test to check for protein in your urine (called an albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) test) a blood test to check your kidney function (called an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test). Finding problems early gives the best chance of slowing or preventing further damage. When to contact your doctor immediately If you think you have a kidney or bladder infection, see your doctor immediately. Bladder and kidney infections are more common in people with diabetes. Symptoms can include: cloudy or bloody urine feeling the need to or passing urine more often and/or a ‘burning’ feeling when passing urine pain in the sides of your abdomen or lower back temperature (fever) nausea or vomiting. Protecting your kidney health for the future You can live well with diabetes while looking after your kidneys. By keeping up with regular checks, following a healthy lifestyle and taking prescribed medication, you’re supporting your health now and into the future. NDSS resources and support Ready, set, go, let’s move: An online program to help you safely become more active, build confidence with movement and create a physical activity plan that suits your lifestyle. Healthy eating resources: Practical, easy-to-understand fact sheets and videos to help you make healthy food choices, manage blood glucose levels and support your overall health. Diabetes health check resources: Information about the regular health checks that help find diabetes-related problems early and support long-term health. Diabetes and your HbA1c – information prescription: A guide to take to use with your professional to help you understand your HbA1c, what your results mean, and actions you can take to help keep your HbA1c within your target range. Diabetes and your blood pressure – information prescription: A guide to use with your health professional to help you understand why blood pressure matters when you have diabetes, what your results mean and practical steps to help keep it within your target range.
