Online Services
For members, employers, providers, visitors...

The information and tools you need are only a click away!

HealthWatch: Kidney Disease

The National Kidney Foundation wants everyone to get tested for kidney disease. They estimate over 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Another 20 million could be at increased risk and don’t know. Preferred Care is committed to helping you and your family lead a healthier life. It is important to visit your doctor or clinic to find out if you could be at increased risk.

What do kidneys do?

Your kidneys filter blood. The filtering occurs in tiny units called nephrons. One kidney has about a million nephrons. They remove waste products and extra water, which become urine. The urine flows through tubes to your bladder. The bladder stores the urine until you urinate.

Who is at risk for kidney disease?

• People with diabetes are most at risk. The body doesn’t use glucose (sugar) very well with diabetes. The glucose stays in your blood and acts like a poison. If you have diabetes, you can prevent kidney disease by controlling your blood sugar levels.
• People with high blood pressure. This can harm the small blood vessels in your kidneys so they cannot filter wastes from your blood very well. If you have high blood pressure, be sure to maintain a healthy weight, get plenty of exercise, and take medications prescribed by your doctor.
• People with personal or a family history of chronic kidney disease. If your family has a history of any kind of kidney problems, you may be at risk and should talk to your doctor.

What are some early warning signs?

• Burning feeling or trouble urinating
• Urinating more frequently, especially at night
• Blood in the urine
• Puffing or swelling of the hands or feet
• Pain in the back or side (below the ribs)
• High blood pressure

Often chronic kidney disease has no symptoms until it hits an advanced stage. Simple testing can be done to detect it. The National Kidney Foundation suggests three simple tests for those at risk:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Urinalysis to check for protein
• Blood test

How is it managed?

• Control blood pressure.
• Manage blood sugar.
• Stop smoking.
• Keep your weight down.

For more information:

• Learn more about Chronic Kidney Disease in Preferred Care’s online Health Encyclopedia.
• To find out more about chronic kidney disease, visit the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org or call (800) 622-9010.

Posted: March 2005