Smoking and Kidney Health
How smoking harms the kidneys and why quitting helps.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure and speeds up kidney damage — especially in people with diabetes.
Why quit
Quitting slows kidney function decline and reduces heart risk, and support is available to help you stop.
Frequently asked questions
Does smoking affect the kidneys?
Yes — it worsens blood pressure and blood vessel health, which accelerates kidney damage.