Keep Your Kidneys Healthy Kidney disease has few warning signs, and early detection is key.

Did you know that one in nine Americans has chronic kidney disease — and most don’t even know it? Read on to learn about the role of kidneys in normal health, risk factors for kidney disease, and actions you can take now to keep your kidneys healthy.

What do kidneys do?Kidneys are bean-shaped organs, located just beneath the rib cage near the middle of your back. Most people are born with two kidneys. Healthy kidneys filter your blood, removing toxins and waste products and then returning fresh blood back into circulation. In addition, they produce hormones that help your body regulate blood pressure, promote strong bones, and make red blood cells. Kidneys also regulate the amount of water and certain chemicals in your bloodstream, such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. The right balance of these chemicals keeps you healthy.

What is kidney disease?Kidney disease occurs when one or both kidneys lose the ability to perform their usual functions. High blood pressure and high blood sugar can damage the kidneys’ filters. This damage leads to proteins leaking into the urine. Since damaged kidneys do not do a good job of cleaning the blood, waste and fluid often build up in the body.

Since there are few warning signs, early kidney disease can be hard to recognize. Kidney disease can quickly become kidney failure if it is not detected early. As kidney disease progresses, the build up of waste and fluid may cause:

• Swollen feet and ankles• Cramping at night• Poor appetite• Feeling tired and more fatigued than usual• Puffiness around your eyes especially in the morning, and • The need to urinate more often, especially at night

What are kidney disease risk factors?Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney disease. About 70 percent of people who have diabetes also have high blood pressure, which puts them at risk for kidney disease from both conditions.

These other health conditions can also increase the risk of kidney disease:

• Glomerulonephritis, the third leading cause of kidney disease, causes inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering units • Inherited conditions such as polycystic kidney disease• Malformations of kidneys or the related tissues

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What are kidney disease risk factors?(continued)

• Lupus and other conditions that affect the immune system• Obstructions, such as from kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland • Repeated urinary tract infections.

Older people and those who belong to a population with high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure or both have a higher risk of developing kidney disease than the general population. This includes African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian or Pacific Islanders, and American Indians.

How can I keep my kidneys healthy?Find out your family history and let your physician know whether anyone in your family has chronic kidney disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease, or protein or blood in their urine.

If you think you may be at risk, ask your doctor so necessary tests can be performed. These tests can help identify your risks:

• Blood pressure measurement• Urine test for protein in the urine• Blood test to measure how well your kidneys are filtering waste (known as the glomerular filtration rate)• Blood test for creatinine, a waste product that healthy kidneys remove

Keep your weight in check to help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with chronic kidney disease.

Take steps to prevent and control high blood pressure. This includes limiting your intake of salt and alcohol, getting regular exercise, managing your weight and avoiding tobacco. Have regular checkups.

Use caution with over-the-counter medications, especially painkillers that combine caffeine, acetaminophen and aspirin. These combinations are associated with increased risk of kidney disease.

What if I have diabetes?If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about routine monitoring for kidney disease. Early detection allows you and your doctor to take steps to prevent the progression to kidney failure. Be sure to:

• Take all medications prescribed for blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control.• Monitor your blood sugar, and take care to keep it in your target range. Tight control has been shown to decrease the risk for kidney disease by 40 percent. • Have your blood pressure checked at every visit. If it isn’t in control, ask your doctor for help. • Be sure to have the routine tests and exams described above to detect the early symptoms of kidney disease, as these can be markers of other complications such as heart disease, vision loss, and nerve damage.

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What if I have diabetes?(continued)

The following targets are guidelines established by the American Diabetes Association:*

Self care and early detection are key.If you are concerned with your health and the health of your kidneys, speak with your doctor or healthcare provider about how you can reduce your risk for kidney disease.

Being informed can help you to keep your kidneys healthy.

* If you do not have diabetes, your targets may be slightly different. Ask your doctor for advice, given your * specific health concerns.

Test Target

A1C (or hemoglobin A1C) Less than 7%

LDL Cholesterol (lower is better) Less than 100 mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol (higher is better) More than 40 mg/dL — men More than 50 mg/dL — women

Triglycerides Less than 150 mg/dL

Blood Pressure Less than 130/80 mmHg

Microalbumin (urine protein) Less than 30 µg/mg (spot collection)

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Medicare Part B patients: Call 1-877-231-5199 and mention reference code ED06500 to order your diabetes testing supplies. Web site: diabetes.RxSolutions.com

References and more information: National Institute of Diabetes, and Digestive and Kidney Diseases www.NIDDK.nih.govNational Kidney Disease Education Program www.nkdep.nih.govNational Kidney Foundation www.kidney.orgNorthwest Kidney Centers www.nwkidney.org

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