Mayo Clinic's Department of Nephrology and Hypertension provides complete care for people with kidney disease caused by diabetes, also called diabetic nephropathy.
Diabetic nephropathy happens when high blood sugar over time damages small blood vessels in the kidneys. These blood vessels help filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. When these blood vessels are damaged, the kidneys can't work as well as they should. This may lead to chronic kidney disease. In the U.S., about 1 in 3 people with diabetes develops diabetic nephropathy.
At Mayo Clinic, you receive care from kidney doctors, also called nephrologists, with experience treating people at all stages of diabetic nephropathy, from early disease to advanced kidney damage. This experience helps them diagnose the condition sooner and choose treatments that can slow kidney damage, protect kidney function and lower the risk of kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease. You also get guidance on diet and lifestyle changes that may help protect kidney health.
If kidney failure does occur, your team works closely with you to coordinate dialysis care or refer you to Mayo Clinic's Kidney Transplant Program as needed.
Children with diabetic nephropathy receive care through the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic at Mayo Clinic Children's in Minnesota.
Coordinated care for diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic nephropathy often is found during routine diabetes checkups. If the condition is suspected, your primary healthcare professional or diabetes specialist may refer you to a nephrologist who specializes in kidney problems related to diabetes. You also may contact the Department of Nephrology and Hypertension directly to make an appointment without a referral.
A kidney doctor leads your care team, which may include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, dietitians and nurses. Your team also works closely with other Mayo Clinic experts as needed, including:
Together, your team creates a care plan tailored to your needs. All your tests and appointments are coordinated to reduce the need for separate visits. Your team also works with your primary healthcare professional to support ongoing treatment and follow-up care.
The right diagnosis the first time
Getting the correct diagnosis is an important first step in protecting your kidney health. Mayo Clinic specialists use advanced testing to detect kidney damage early — sometimes even before symptoms develop. Tests may include:
- Blood and urine tests.
- Kidney imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, and CT and MRI scans.
- Kidney biopsy.
Personalized care for diabetic nephropathy
If you receive a diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy, your team works with you to create a care plan based on your health needs, stage of kidney disease and other medical conditions. They help you understand the treatment options and next steps in your care.
In the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar and blood pressure. Your care plan may include:
- Medications to protect your kidney function and manage blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and anemia.
- Medication reviews to make sure the medicines you take are safe for your condition and adjusted correctly to lower the risk of side effects.
- Nutrition counseling with a dietitian trained in kidney health.
- Lifestyle support to help you quit smoking, increase your physical activity and manage your stress.
- Weight management support, including online classes, counseling, and weight-loss medicines and surgery.
Your care team monitors your kidney function over time and adjusts your treatment as needed. They also help you manage the day-to-day challenges of living with diabetic nephropathy.
Advanced care for end-stage renal disease
The final stage of diabetic nephropathy is kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S.
Mayo Clinic offers advanced treatment options for people with kidney failure, including:
- Dialysis, which does the work your kidneys typically do by removing waste and extra fluid from your blood.
- Kidney transplant.
Your care team can help guide treatment decisions and coordinate care with dialysis and transplant specialists when needed.
Learn more about Mayo Clinic's dialysis services.
Research to improve patient care
Mayo Clinic doctors and researchers study diabetic nephropathy to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment. You may be able to take part in research or a clinical trial at Mayo Clinic.
Nephrology and hypertension researchers are currently studying several new therapies for people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease.
Mayo Clinic also has received a special grant from the National Institutes of Health to study kidney disease in people with type 1 diabetes. This research focuses on better understanding the causes of diabetic nephropathy and improving treatments. Enrollment for this study is expected to start in early 2026.
Explore Nephrology and Hypertension research areas.
Dec. 05, 2025