Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Living with two chronic conditions can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.

The Kidney Wellness Hub provides practical tools, tips, and trusted resources to help you take control of your health, one step at a time.

Welcome

Our classes, tips, and guides are designed to help you make small changes that can have a lasting impact.

Try one idea from our key sections this week and keep exploring until you find what works best for you.

Remember, it’s not about being perfect, it’s about making better choices more often.

newly diagnosed graphic

Staying Active

Staying active helps lower blood pressure, improve circulation, boost energy levels, and support overall heart and kidney health.

Even small amounts of movement like walking, stretching, or light exercise can make a meaningful difference.

Adult in an exercise class

  1. Give yoga a try and gently stretch your body, even a few mindful movements can leave you feeling refreshed.

  2. Take an Exercise Snack or movement break, short bursts of activity really do add up.

  3. Go for a short walk (or try a seated march if that feels better for you), every step counts.

  4. Add strength training to your week, building muscle supports balance and energy.

  5. Turn on your favourite song and dance it out, joy is powerful medicine.Challenge yourself with Pilates, small efforts can build strong foundations.Try a cardio workout, get your heart pumping and boost your energy.

Eating Well

Eating Well is one of the most powerful ways to manage both Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes because what you eat directly affects how hard your kidneys and heart have to work.

Loving couple cooking together

Keys to Success for Controlling Your Blood Sugar

  1. Eat three meals a day, no more than six hours apart.

  2. Try to eat at regular times (even on days when you have dialysis). If you can’t eat a meal, make sure you have a snack that contains carbohydrates in place of your meal.

  3. Eat the same amount of carbohydrate-containing foods at each meal. Carbohydratecontaining foods break down to sugar when eaten and include grains or starches, fruits, milk products and somevegetables.

  4. Avoid simple sugars and sweets such as sugar, regular pop (soda, soft drinks), fruit juices, sweet desserts, candies, jam, and honey. Try using sugar substitutes in your recipes.

This information was taken from Eating Guidelines for Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease.

The material contained on this fact sheet does not constitute medical advice and is intended for informational purposes only. No one associated with The Kidney Foundation of Canada will answer medical questions via email. Please consult a health care professional for specific treatment recommendations.

Recipes To Try

Eating Well Resources

Mental Wellbeing

Mental Wellbeing is an important part of living with Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes. It’s normal to feel stressed, worried, or overwhelmed at times.

Paying attention to your emotional health can help you cope better, improve your energy, and support your overall physical health.

Simple steps like practicing relaxation techniques, or taking time for activities you enjoy, can make a positive difference.

woman on a hike

  1. Practice 5-minutes of slow breathing like Box Breathing

  2. Discover sources of support beyond the people in your life. Check out the Matrix of Support for ideas.

  3. Make something—no special skills required. It’s about your journey, not the product. Join Art for Wellness for guided prompts.

  4. Aim for 7–8 hours of restful sleep. Struggling? Check out tips on our Sleeping Well page.

  5. Use gratitude to shift your perspective from what’s lost to what you have. Try a short guided reflection. Want more? Join Grow with Gratitude.

  6. Watch a funny video for 5 minutes. Want more? Sign up for our Laughter Playshop.

  7. Turn up the radio and sing along to your favorite song. Explore our Music Therapy selection for more ideas.

Socially Connecting

Staying socially connected is an important part of living with Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes. It’s normal to feel isolated at times, especially when managing ongoing health conditions, but connecting with others who get it can help you feel supported, understood, and less alone.

If you’re finding it hard to stay connected, reaching out even in a small way is a positive and important step. Here are some resources that may help.

Two older adults laughing

  1. Reach out to a friend, or request to speak with a peer mentor.

  2. Expand your circle and try something new through one of our virtual classes.

  3. Find a volunteer opportunity that excites you. Start by exploring volunteer options on the Kidney Wellness Hub.

  4. Share a skill, teach a class, or share your talent with the kidney community in a virtual session on the Kidney Wellness Hub.

  5. Help support local causes by hosting your own community fundraising event. Join the Kidney Walk to meet others in your local community.

  6. Share your lived experience with researchers to improve the lives of kidney patients - check out the opportunities available on Kidney Link.

  7. Share the Kidney Wellness Hub with a friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • CKD means your kidneys are not working as well as they should over time.

    Your kidneys help filter waste, balance fluids, and keep your body healthy.

  • Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. High blood sugar can damage the kidneys over time, making it harder for them to function properly.

  • Early stages may have no symptoms. Later, you may notice:

    • Fatigue

    • Swelling

    • Changes in urination

    • Increased thirst or frequent urination

    • Monitor blood sugar levels

    • Take medications as prescribed

    • Eat a balanced, kidney-friendly diet

    • Stay active

    • Attend regular appointments

 

Remember: You are not alone. With the right information and support, you can take meaningful steps to manage your health and live well.

Join the Kidney Wellness Hub and be the first to hear about kidney health classes, upcoming events, and the latest opportunities.

VIew Upcoming Classes
VIew Upcoming Classes