Kidney Disease

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In addition to chronic kidney disease caused by uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure, there are several other types of kidney disease, including:

• Glomerular diseases, which affect the glomeruli, the filtering units of your kidneys.
• Congenital diseases, which are conditions you’re born with.
• Inherited diseases, which are passed down through your family.

In most cases, chronic kidney disease is caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high, leading to damage in various organs, including the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes. For more details, visit our Diabetes page.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. For more information, visit our Hypertension page.

Chronic kidney disease is the gradual decline of kidney function due to disease or because of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or aging.

Chronic kidney disease can be managed or treated, but there is no cure. Even a transplant does not cure the underlying health conditions that contributed to loss of kidney function.

Acute kidney disease or acute kidney injury is a term that describes diseases of the kidney that can be treated. These conditions typically come on suddenly and impact kidney function over a period of days or weeks. This includes kidney stones, infections, severe dehydration, autoimmune disorders, heart failure, drug overdoses or other drug interactions.

Kidney cancer is typically slow growing and is treated through surgery to remove part or all the affected kidney.

What causes chronic kidney disease?

In most cases, chronic kidney disease is caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. Diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels are too high, leading to damage in various organs, including the kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes. For more details, visit our Diabetes page.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and chronic kidney disease. For more information, visit our Hypertension page.

Estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is a blood test that assesses how well your kidneys are functioning. It is a calculated number that measures the rate at which your kidneys filter waste from your blood, taking into consideration factors such as blood creatinine level, age, gender, and body size. Your doctor can provide an accurate GFR

Based on these factors. If you are at risk of chronic kidney disease, this number is as important as your A1C or your blood pressure. Ask your doctor whether they have ordered this test. In general, 90-100+ is normal, under 60 is Stage 3 and under 15 is Stage 5, requiring dialysis or transplantation.

In the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), there may be no noticeable symptoms. However, early detection is possible through a simple urine test that checks for small amounts of protein. As CKD advances, common signs may include:

• Frequent urination, especially during the night
• Pain or difficulty during urination
• Swelling around the eyes, and in the hands and feet, particularly in children

Additionally, medical tests may reveal:

• Blood or protein in the urine
• A decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

How Your Kidneys Work

Your kidneys play a vital role in filtering your blood. Most people have two kidneys, located in the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. They remove waste and excess fluid from the body in the form of urine, which comes from the breakdown of food and normal muscle activity.

Beyond filtering, your kidneys have several other crucial functions. They:

• Balance water and chemicals in your blood
• Eliminate drugs and toxins from your body
• Release hormones that help produce blood cells, build strong bones, and regulate blood pressure

How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

• Keep your blood pressure below 120/80 mmHg or as advised by your doctor.
• Maintain your blood sugar levels within your target range and stay physically active to help control both blood pressure and blood sugar.
• If you’re overweight, aim to lose weight for better kidney health.
• Get an annual kidney check-up to monitor your kidney function.
• If you have CKD, consult a dietitian to develop a kidney-friendly eating plan. Ask your doctor for a referral.