Learn to spot early warning signs of kidney disease and take action.
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| | | Welcome to our 3-day series on preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Today, we'll focus on the early signs and symptoms of kidney disease, because early detection is crucial for managing kidney health effectively. | CKD affects about 35.5 million people in the United States — that's around 14% of the population. As many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD don't know they have it. This is because CKD often progresses silently, especially in its early stages.
African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American people have a higher risk of developing CKD. | | Understanding CKD stages | | CKD progresses through five stages based on how well the kidneys can filter waste from the blood. This is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR): | | • | Stage 1: Normal kidney function but with signs of kidney damage | | | • | Stage 2: Mild loss of kidney function | | | • | Stage 3: Moderate loss of kidney function | | | • | Stage 4: Severe loss of kidney function | | | • | Stage 5: Kidney failure | | | You might not notice any symptoms in the early stages (1–3). That's why regular check-ups are crucial, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, which are the leading risk factors for CKD. | | The diabetes-CKD connection | | Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, responsible for about 44% of new cases. Here's why: | | • | High blood sugar impact: Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste. | | | • | Silent progression: Like CKD, diabetes can progress silently. Many people have diabetes for years before being diagnosed, during which time kidney damage may already be occurring. | | Regular kidney function tests are crucial if you have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual kidney function tests for all people with type 2 diabetes, and for those who've had type 1 diabetes for 5 years or more.
Remember, early detection and management of both diabetes and kidney disease can significantly improve outcomes. | | Early signs and symptoms to watch for | To help you remember these important signs and symptoms, we've created a visual guide. Consider saving it or printing it out as a reminder.
|  | | While early-stage CKD often has no symptoms, some signs may start to appear as the condition progresses. For those with diabetes, these signs may appear earlier or be more pronounced. | | Later symptoms of CKD | | In later stages, these symptoms may become more noticeable: | | | | | | • | unintentional weight loss | | | | | • | muscle twitches and cramps | | | When to see a doctor | | Contact a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worrying symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. | | Symptoms that warrant immediate attention include: | | • | severe, persistent lower back pain | | | | | • | sudden swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, hands or face | | | | | | | Tomorrow, we'll explore the role of nutrition in kidney health and how dietary choices can support your kidneys. Until then, stay kidney conscious and prioritize your health! | | | | | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll
see you again soon! | | | | View in browser
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