By Blua | Digital health by Bupa
4 minute read
Published 6 July 2026
Living with diabetes means you have an increased risk of kidney disease.
Including kidney checks in your cycle of care can help monitor function and overall good health.
Your kidneys have many roles in the body1,2, but the primary one is to filter waste from the blood and get it out of the body through urine.
Kidneys also help to regulate blood pressure.
One of the main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is diabetic nephropathy. This is when constantly high blood glucose levels in the body damage the kidney’s filtering system, leading to waste build up.
Because diabetes causes high blood glucose levels, people living with diabetes are more at risk of kidney disease and damage.
People with CKD can lose up to 90% of their kidney function with no symptoms, making early detection and management crucial in maintaining kidney health and treating the condition well. Early kidney disease can be slowed down by up to 50%, meaning it can take more time before kidney dialysis or transplant is required.
Diabetes Australia recommends having a Kidney Health Check at least once a year if you have diabetes.1
A Kidney Health Check has 3 parts.3
If you are living with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, your doctor will generally recommend a Kidney Health Check annually, but depending on your situation you may need more regular testing.4,5
Always follow your physician’s advice and guidance. If you have gestational diabetes or prediabetes, your doctor will advise how often you need a kidney check.
As well as staying on top of your annual health checks, there are ways to help support good kidney function at home.6
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Our health and wellbeing information is regularly reviewed and maintained by a team of healthcare experts, to ensure its relevancy and accuracy. Everyone's health journey is unique and health outcomes vary from person to person.
This content is not a replacement for personalised and specific medical, healthcare, or other professional advice. If you have concerns about your health, see your doctor or other health professional.
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1 Diabetes Australia. (2023). Kidney health and diabetes.
2 Kidney Health Australia. (2025). Link between kidneys, diabetes & heart.
3 Kidney Health Australia. (2025). Kidney health check.
4 Mayo Clinic. (2024). Diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).
5 Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Annual cycle of care.
6 Diabetes Australia. (2026). Diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
