Because diabetic nephropathy is progressive, the best course of action is to avoid the condition in the first place by keeping gluocse (blood sugar), blood pressure and cholesterol in safe ranges, as recommended by a physician. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and not smoking, are also important to prevent nephropathy.

In addition, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are potentially toxic to the kidneys and should generally be avoided by people diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy. However, many patients who have or are at risk of cardiovascular conditions, the No. 1 killer of people with diabetes, are prescribed daily low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure.

Individuals are advised to ask their physician about the risks and benefits of aspirin therapy. Even in people who do not have diabetic nephropathy, regular long-term use of painkillers can cause a permanent form of kidney damage called analgesic nephropathy that requires dialysis or a kidney transplant, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

Patients with nephropathy may be advised by a dietician to consume a diet low in protein. High-protein diets may strain the kidneys.

Kidney patients are advised to consult their physician before undergoing imaging tests using certain contrast agents. These include barium, which can worsen renal damage, and gadolinium, which has recently been linked to a rare skin disease.