Diabetes is the leading cause of impaired kidney function, albuminuria and renal replacement therapy in virtually all regions of the world and places a large burden on health care systems. Current treatment strategies rely on intensive glucose-lowering and strict blood pressure control, targeting blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Such approaches may slow decline in kidney function, but many patients progress to end-stage kidney failure despite optimal therapy. In recent clinical trials, two new-generation glucose-lowering drug classes; the sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT)2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 receptor agonists have been shown to improve both kidney and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Other new approaches, based on an improved understanding of the mechanisms that contribute kidney damage in the context of diabetes, include use of drugs that block endothelin receptors (e.g. atrasentan) and non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptors (e.g. finerenone). Here we review recent clinical data relevant to these new therapeutic approaches in the management of kidney disease in the context of type 2 diabetes.