Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), responsible for approximately 60% of cases. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects 20-50% of individuals with diabetes, with diabetes-related ESKD cases rising steadily worldwide from 22.1% in 2000 to 31.3% in 2015. Methods: This review examines the literature published up to 25 February 2025, using a systematic search in PubMed and Scopus. Keywords included uremic toxins and diabetic kidney disease and/or gut microbiota, or dysbiosis or gut-kidney axis. Studies were independently assessed by a minimum of three authors, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. Results: Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a key driver of DKD progression, making the gut-kidney axis a promising therapeutic target. A "nuts and fruits" dietary pattern reduces the DKD risk by 43.3%, while an animal protein intake lowers the diabetic peripheral neuropathy risk by 42.8%. High-fiber diets and supplements like resistant starch may reduce uremic toxins through microbiota modulation. Conclusions: Microbiota-targeted interventions, including probiotics, synbiotic, and dietary modifications, show potential in reducing uremic toxin production and inflammation, though DKD-specific evidence remains limited. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains may help lower urea and creatinine levels, but outcomes vary by disease stage. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of dietary and probiotic approaches in DKD management.