Diabetes and kidney disease

People living with diabetes are also at risk of developing kidney problems. Damage to the kidneys happens over time and is called chronic kidney disease (CKD) or diabetic kidney disease.

Diabetes and kidney disease

Focus on diabetes and kidney disease

Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, but if you do develop kidney damage because of diabetes, treatment can help to stop it getting worse.

Understand the link between diabetes and CKD
Old man sitting at a table doing a blood sugar pinprick test for diabetes.
  • Diabetes is a health condition where the glucose (sugar) levels in your blood are too high.
  • Around a quarter of people with diabetes get some kind of kidney damage.
  • One of the most important things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy is stay on top of your diabetes.

  • 7 ways to look after your kidney health if you have diabetes

  • Kidney disease caused by diabetes: your questions answered

  • Medication for diabetes and CKD: SGLT2 inhibitors
Kidney-friendly diet

Diabetes and kidney disease: what can I eat?

Enjoying your food if you have both diabetes and CKD is about eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Cook from scratch whenever you can, so you know exactly what ingredients you're choosing, and consult your dietitian for personalised advice that's tailored to you.
Managing your diet with diabetes and CKD

Healthy eating and lifestyle for your kidneys

You can enjoy a wide variety of delicious and healthy food when you are living with kidney disease. All Kidney Kitchen recipes are analysed and approved by kidney dietitians.

Browse 300+ kidney-friendly recipes from Kidney Kitchen

Patient information leaflets to download or order

  • Diet and nutrition, Easy read, Kidney conditions, Medication

    Diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Easy Read)

  • Diet and nutrition, Kidney conditions, Living with kidney disease

    Diabetes and kidney disease
Patient information videos

Dr Andrew Frankel, nephrologist, answers questions about diabetes and CKD

In this 'Your questions answered' series we answer common questions that you may have about diabetes and CKD, from tests to lifestyle to medication.

Your questions answered: diabetes and CKD with Dr Frankel, nephrologist

  • Meet Dr Andrew Frankel, nephrologist

  • How does diabetes cause CKD?

  • How likely is it that I will develop CKD?

  • I have diabetes. How should my kidney health be monitored?

  • What should I ask my GP about my diabetes and CKD?

  • How can I maintain my kidney health with diabetes and CKD?

  • Are there medications or treatments for diabetes and CKD?

  • How can I manage my diabetes and CKD together?

  • Will my diabetes treatment be different if I also have CKD?

  • Will having diabetes and CKD affect my health in other ways?

  • I have pre-diabetes. What does this mean for my kidney health?

  • Do I need to eat differently if I have diabetes and CKD?

  • I carb count. Do I need to change anything if I have CKD?
The relationship between diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease and the impact on the Black Community

Episode 45

The relationship between diabetes, hypertension and kidney disease and the impact on the Black Community

For Black History Month, Diary of a Kidney Warrior is focusing on topics around kidney health and the Black Community. For the third episode, Renal Nurse Pat Simoyi and Specialist Diabetes Nurse Angela Thomas join Dee to take a closer look at the top two causes of CKD, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, and their impact on the Black Community.