Today on World Kidney Day, Diabetes Australia is announcing funding for new research into diabetes-related kidney disease, which affects an estimated 330,000 Australians living with diabetes.

The study, made possible by a 2024 Diabetes Australia Research Program grant, is being undertaken by a Monash University research team led by Dr Phillip Kantharidis. It holds the potential to provide a major advance in our understanding of this potentially debilitating disease.

The research focuses on the role of molecules which reduce kidney inflammation. Inflammation impacts the kidney’s ability to function which can have serious consequences, including the need for dialysis.

Dr Kantharidis said both molecules appear to protect the kidneys of people living with diabetes and also act on a population of specialised cells called macrophages.

“Macrophages usually protect against tissue injury but in people living with diabetes they often travel to sites of injury and contribute to inflammatory damage,” Dr Kantharidis said.

“It looks like these molecules protect the kidney from injury and stop the number of macrophages that can cluster in the kidney.

“We are looking to confirm this hypothesis first with mouse kidneys and also to extend our findings with human kidney biopsies from people with diabetes. If it is the case, we will achieve a major advance in how to improve treatment to prevent and even reverse kidney scarring.”

The Diabetes Australia report, “Saving Lives by Better Detecting Diabetes-Related Kidney Disease”, states that of the 330,000 Australians living with diabetes and chronic kidney disease, about 10,000 people in this cohort will experience kidney failure and need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Taryn Black said DARP grant recipients were undertaking work that had the potential to change the lives of people living with diabetes.

“Research is critical in our fight to drive change to prevent, treat and, ultimately, cure diabetes,” Ms Black said.

“Diabetes research creates hope for the future.”

Diabetes Australia has been funding diabetes research for more than 30 years through DARP grants.

“Over the past 10 years alone, Diabetes Australia has invested more than $30 million in supporting nearly 500 critical research initiatives across all types of diabetes,” Ms Black said.

Members of the community can help diabetes research by making a donation. Find out more about how to support us.

About the Diabetes Australia Research Program: Established 37 years ago, the Diabetes Australia Research Program supports and develops outstanding diabetes research in Australia. The program funds research projects focused on the prevention, management, and cure of all types of diabetes, as well as fostering upcoming researchers. The program relies on the generosity and support of member organisations, corporates, and individual donors.