The most important approach in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy is achieving effective blood glucose control. Similarly, maintaining blood pressure at desired levels reduces the risk of diabetic nephropathy and slows its progression. Restricting dietary salt intake facilitates blood pressure control and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. If the albumin/creatinine ratio remains consistently high, even without hypertension, ACEI/ARB antihypertensive medications are used to delay chronic kidney disease.

In advanced diabetic nephropathy, i.e., kidney failure, treatment involves dialysis, kidney transplantation, or symptom management.