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Inflammation has a major role in diabetic kidney disease. We thus investigated the role of the IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis in favoring kidney damage in diabetes. Urinary IL-8 levels were measured in 1247 patients of the Joslin Kidney Study in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The expression of IL-8 and of its membrane receptors CXCR1/CXCR2 was quantified in kidney tissues in patients with T2D and in controls. The effect of CXCR1/2 blockade on diabetic kidney disease was evaluated in db/db mice. IL-8 urinary levels were increased in patients with T2D and diabetic kidney disease, with the highest urinary IL-8 levels found in the patients with the largest decline in glomerular filtration rate, with an increased albumin/creatine ratio and the worst renal outcome. Moreover, glomerular IL-8 renal expression was increased in patients with T2D, as compared to controls. High glucose elicits abundant IL-8 secretion in cultured human immortalized podocytes in vitro. Finally, in diabetic db/db mice and in podocytes in vitro , CXCR1/2 blockade mitigated albuminuria, reduced mesangial expansion, decreased podocyte apoptosis and reduced DNA damage. The IL-8- CXCR1/2 axis may have a role in diabetic kidney disease by inducing podocyte damage. Indeed, targeting the IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis may reduce the burden of diabetic kidney disease. • The IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis is overactive in diabetic kidney disease • High glucose stimulates IL-8 secretion in podocytes in vitro • IL-8-CXCR1/2 axis blockade improves renal function in diabetic db/db mice • CXCR1/2 blockade in type 2 diabetes patients may reduce the burden of diabetic kidney disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]