Diabetes and chronic kidney disease Diabetes can have serious health impacts, including affecting kidney function. However, with the right care and support, you can take proactive steps to protect your kidneys. Diabetic kidney disease is a common yet often silent condition, affecting an estimated 330,000 Australians – approximately one in four people living with diabetes1. As type 2 diabetes becomes more prevalent2, so does the importance of kidney health. The good news? Diabetic kidney disease can often be prevented with early intervention. By making positive lifestyle choices, staying informed and recognising early signs you can support your kidney health and overall wellbeing. If you are living with diabetes, make an appointment with your doctor today to book your annual kidney health check and talk about what you can do to lower your risk of kidney disease. Learn more What is chronic kidney disease? Understanding the risks and symptoms How to CARE for your kidneys How to reduce your risk of developing diabetic kidney disease Share the knowledge How to CARE for your kidneys C.A.R.E. is a simple way to remember the key actions that can help reduce your risk of diabetic kidney disease. Check Check your glucose and cholesterol levels regularly to stay within target range. Learn more Act Act now by booking an annual kidney health check. Request a reminder Reduce Reduce lifestyle risks by staying active, eating well and eliminating harmful habits. Start now Empower Empower yourself with knowledge and take positive steps to better kidney health. Learn more What is chronic kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease occurs when your kidneys no longer clean your blood as effectively as they should. Each kidney contains about one million tiny filters called nephrons that remove excess water and waste products. When these nephrons are damaged over time, waste builds up in the body, leading to chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant. 1 in 3 people living with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease (3) How does diabetes cause diabetic kidney disease (DKD)? Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a type of kidney disease caused by diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. This damage can lead to reduced kidney function and, eventually, kidney failure. Typically, you will have had diabetes for a number of years before developing DKD. What is the link between diabetes, kidneys and the heart? Chronic kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease affect 29% of Australian adults (4) and often occur together There is a strong link between kidney disease and heart disease. Having kidney disease increases the risk of developing heart disease, just as heart disease raises the likelihood of kidney disease. Additionally, both conditions share common risk factors, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Due to the strong link between kidney disease and heart disease, the term cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome was coined. This covers a group of health concerns which include heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes and obesity, and highlights the importance of managing these conditions together for overall health. Understanding your risk of diabetic kidney disease If you have diabetes, you are at risk of developing DKD. Your risk increases based on: Duration of diabetes The longer you have diabetes, the higher your risk of developing kidney disease. Family history A history of high blood pressure or heart disease increases your risk. Age Kidney function naturally declines with age. If you’re over 60 (or over 18 for First Nations Australians), your risk is higher. Recognising the symptoms Early-stage kidney disease often has no symptoms. Many people lose up to 90% of kidney function before noticing signs. If you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to have annual kidney health checks so that any sign of damage can be detected early. Signs and symptoms may include: Changes in urine frequency or appearance Blood in urine Fatigue Loss of appetite Trouble sleeping Headaches and difficulty concentrating Shortness of breath Nausea and vomiting. How to reduce your risk of developing diabetic kidney disease CHECK your glucose levels, cholesterol and blood pressure regularly to stay within target range Managing blood glucose levels is essential for protecting kidney health. Keeping them within your target range can help reduce the risk of damage, so regular monitoring is important. It’s also important to have your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly checked and to take any prescribed medication as directed, as maintaining healthy blood pressure supports kidney function. Below are general cholesterol targets for people with diabetes, however, your healthcare professional can guide you on the best goals for your individual needs. LDL < 2.0 mmol/L Total Cholesterol < 4.0 mmol/L Triglycerides < 2.0 mmol/L HDL > 1.0 mmol/L When to check your levels: Blood glucose levels: daily (your diabetes team can advise when and how often to monitor) Blood pressure: every visit to your doctor or every six months Cholesterol levels: annually. For more information on cholesterol visit the NDSS website or the Heart Foundation website. ACT now by booking your annual kidney health check A kidney health check is a quick and straightforward way to assess how well your kidneys are functioning. It can often be done at your local health centre as part of a routine medical appointment. These simple yet important tests provide valuable insights into your kidney health, allowing for early detection and management of potential concerns. This check includes three key tests: Blood pressure check: High blood pressure can contribute to kidney damage, and kidney disease can, in turn, raise blood pressure. Regular monitoring helps protect your kidney health. Urine test: This test measures the amount of albumin (a type of protein) in your urine. The presence of albumin may indicate kidney damage or scarring. This test is known as the urine-albumin creatinine ratio (uACR). Blood test: By measuring your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), this test assesses how effectively your kidneys filter waste from your blood. Would you like an email reminder to book in your next annual kidney health check? Please provide your details below and we’ll remind you when it’s time for your next check up. REDUCE lifestyle risks by staying active, eating well and eliminating harmful habits including smoking and alcohol consumption There are many steps you can take to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease and support your overall health and wellbeing. By making small, manageable changes, you can live healthier for longer. Avoid smoking to reduce the strain on your kidneys Eat a healthy, balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, wholegrain cereals, lean meats, nuts and seeds and low-fat dairy products Reduce your salt and sugar intake to support kidney function Stay active to promote overall health and circulation Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight Limit your alcohol intake. It’s also important to take prescribed medications, including blood pressure medications, as directed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about all medications you take to ensure they don’t negatively impact your kidneys. Keep your vaccinations up to date according to the National Immunisation Program. By taking these proactive steps, you can help protect your kidney health and improve your quality of life. EMPOWER yourself with knowledge and take positive steps to better kidney health For people living with diabetes, education is one of the most powerful tools in maintaining good health and preventing complications like kidney disease. Knowledge empowers you to ask the right questions, play an active role in self-management and make informed decisions about your health. Below are some handy resources for you. healthdirect.gov.au Use healthdirect.gov.au service finder, Australian directory of healthcare professionals and services, to find diabetes health professionals near you. Search now Diabetes Australia Clinic Book in a telehealth clinic appointment with one of Diabetes Australia’s fully qualified health professionals. Book online Diabetes and kidney health resources Blood pressure and diabetes Your annual cycle of care Cholesterol and diabetes – NDSS Kidney and bladder health – NDSS Kidney Health Australia website Share the knowledge We want all people living with diabetes to have access to the information they need to live well with diabetes. Download social media tiles and share important information to CARE for your kidneys. Download resources More information What to do if you have diabetic kidney disease There are steps you can take to improve your health while living with DKD. Making positive lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and help slow the progression. Small, manageable adjustments to your daily routine can make a meaningful difference in supporting your kidney health. While kidney disease cannot be reversed, it can be managed; especially if detected early. Your treatment plan will depend on the type and stage of your kidney disease, but early intervention can make a significant difference. In the early stages of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), making healthy lifestyle choices is key. This includes eating a balanced diet, staying active, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and keeping your blood pressure and blood glucose levels within the targets set by your doctor. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to help manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. Newer treatments have been shown to slow the progression of DKD, making it even more important to discuss your options with your healthcare provider. If DKD advances to kidney failure, dialysis or a transplant will be necessary. Taking proactive steps now can help protect your kidney health and improve long-term outcomes. References Kidney Health Australia. (2019) Make the Link: Diabetes, Kidneys and Heart. Executive Summary. Retrieved from https://assets.kidney.org.au/resources/KHA-Executive-Summary-Make-the-Link-Diabetes-Kidneys-and-Heart.pdf Reutens AT. Epidemiology of diabetic kidney disease. Med Clin North Am. 2013;97(1):1-18. Kidney Health Australia. (2023) Diabetic Kidney Disease Fact Sheet. Retreived from https://assets.kidney.org.au/resources/KHA-Factsheet-Diabetic-Kidney-Disease-2023.pdf Kidney Health Australia (2021) Make the Link. Kidneys, Diabetes & Heart. Retreived from https://assets.kidney.org.au/resources/KHA-Report-Make-the-link-kidneys-diabetes-heart.pdf
