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Your Time Is Now: Take Care of Your
Kidneys

26 million Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD) and millions more are at risk. If you have diabetes and/or high blood pressure see your doctor to be screened for kidney disease. Unrecognized and untreated, CKD can lead to serious health problems including kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). Caught early, it can often be managed, and kidney damage can be slowed or stopped. That’s why early testing for people at risk is so important.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when your kidneys are unable to filter waste and extra water out of your blood. This can happen gradually over time, usually taking several months to years. Once your kidneys are damaged, they usually cannot be fixed.

Click below to see the effects of Chronic Kidney Disease on the body:

Haz clic abajo para ver los efectos de la insuficiencia renal crónica en el cuerpo:

Click below for a brochure listing the functions of the kidney and simple explanations of how you can identify signs that should be discussed with your doctor.

CKD Brochure (English)

CKD Brochure (Spanish)

Click below for a bookmark reminder of the simple tests that can tell you if you have CKD and the goals that you and your doctor should discuss at least once a year.

CKD Bookmark (English)

Are You At Risk For Chronic Kidney Disease?

There are no signs or symptoms until your kidneys are about to fail. This is why kidney disease is called the Silent Killer. You are at risk for kidney disease if:

You have diabetes;
You have high blood pressure;
You have a family member who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease;
You are of African American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or Native American descent;
You are over the age of 60 years.

Controlling your Diabetes and High Blood Pressure will help protect your kidneys.