National Kidney Month: Early Detection Can Save Lives By Laura Kopp, BSN, RN

The first step in preventing CKD is understanding your likelihood of developing it. Certain factors can put you at increased risk, including:

• Diabetes (type 1 or 2) – Persistently high blood sugar can damage the kidneys’ filters over time, making it harder for them to remove waste and extra fluid from the blood.
• High blood pressure – Chronically elevated blood pressure can strain and narrow kidney blood vessels, reducing blood flow and impairing their function.
• Family history – CKD can run in families, meaning you may be at higher risk if a close relative has been diagnosed with it.
• Older age – People over 60 years old are more vulnerable, as kidneys naturally lose some function with age and recover more slowly from illness or injury.
• Smoking – Tobacco use contributes to high blood pressure and heart disease, both of which can harm the kidneys. Smoking can also decrease blood flow to the kidneys, further worsening damage.
• Obesity – Excess body weight raises the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, while also forcing the kidneys to work harder to filter waste.

While symptoms often develop late, you should still pay attention to changes. These symptoms are not exclusive to CKD, but they warrant a conversation with your healthcare provider:

• Changes in urination – Damaged kidney filters can lead to more frequent urination, especially at night, or foamy or bloody urine.
• Low energy levels – Waste buildup in the blood can cause persistent tiredness. Reduced red blood cell production may also lead to anemia and feelings of fatigue or weakness.
• Skin changes – Itchiness, dryness, or rashes may appear due to waste and mineral imbalances in the body.
• Swelling – Extra fluid can cause swelling in the feet, ankles, hands, or around the eyes.
• Poor appetite – Toxins in the blood can lead to digestive discomfort or loss of appetite.
• Muscle cramps – Changes in fluid and electrolyte balance can cause painful cramps, which may be more noticeable at night.

Even small steps can make a big impact over time. Consider taking these actions to support your kidney health:

• Get tested – Ask your healthcare provider for simple blood and urine tests to detect problems early.
• Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar – Keeping them in healthy ranges can reduce the strain on your kidneys.
• Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water helps your kidneys remove waste efficiently.
• Eat a balanced diet – Focus on fruits, vegetables, and low-sodium foods to support kidney function.
• Maintain a healthy weight – Losing excess weight lowers your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney stress.
• Be physically active – Regular exercise supports healthy blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking – Stopping tobacco use improves blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and slows kidney damage.
• Know your family history – Sharing it with your healthcare provider can help guide screenings and preventative care.