Your kidneys work around the clock to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. As we get older, the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) identifies diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney failure as important CKD risk factors. Age is also associated with increased risk.
The good news is that kidney health can be monitored. Knowing your risk factors and talking with your healthcare team about appropriate testing can help identify kidney problems earlier.
CKD develops when the kidneys become damaged or do not function properly over time. Early CKD often causes no noticeable symptoms, which means someone can have kidney disease without realizing it. Testing may be the only way to identify the condition in its earlier stages.
This makes routine healthcare visits especially important as you get older, particularly if you have conditions that increase your risk.
Your risk of developing CKD may be higher if you have:
The National Kidney Foundation also identifies being over age 60 as a CKD risk factor.
If any of these apply to you, talk with your healthcare professional about whether kidney testing is appropriate.
Kidney health can be evaluated with relatively simple blood and urine tests. Two commonly used measures are eGFR, which helps assess how well your kidneys filter your blood, and urine albumin testing, which can identify protein in the urine that may indicate kidney damage.
There is not one testing schedule that applies to everyone. NIDDK recommends testing people with risk factors and working with a healthcare professional to determine how often testing is appropriate. For people with diabetes, NIDDK recommends kidney testing every year.
Early CKD often has no symptoms. As kidney disease progresses, some people may experience swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles; changes in urination; foamy urine; fatigue; trouble sleeping; itching; muscle cramps; or changes in appetite.
These symptoms can have many possible causes, so experiencing one does not necessarily mean you have kidney disease. If you notice persistent or concerning changes, talk with your healthcare professional.
Managing conditions that can contribute to kidney damage is an important part of protecting kidney health. This includes following your healthcare team’s recommendations for managing blood pressure and blood glucose, staying physically active when appropriate, eating a balanced diet, and taking medications as prescribed.
It’s also important to talk with your healthcare professional before regularly using over-the-counter pain medicines, particularly if you have kidney disease or other risk factors.
You don’t have to wait for symptoms to think about your kidneys. At your next healthcare appointment, ask whether you have risk factors for CKD and whether kidney testing is appropriate for you.
Bring a list of your medications, supplements, health conditions, and family health history to help your healthcare team get a complete picture of your health.
Champion Health Plan is committed to helping members stay informed and connected to their healthcare. Talk with your healthcare team about your kidney health, your individual risk factors, and whether routine kidney testing is appropriate for you.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Talk with your healthcare professional about questions or concerns regarding your kidney health.
