When someone mentions a chronic health condition, people usually think of heart disease or cancer. But kidney disease, which affects almost 36 million Americans, rarely comes up.
Most people know very little about kidney disease or how it can affect their well-being. In fact, many people with early-stage kidney disease don’t even know they have it.
Regular visits with your primary care provider (PCP) can help keep your kidneys healthy. PCPs can identify potential risk factors, suggest lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk, and monitor your overall health.
Signs of kidney disease
Your kidneys are located below your ribs. These two organs filter waste from your blood. They also help maintain the right balance of fluids and minerals in your body.
Kidney disease affects your body’s ability to remove waste. This damages the kidneys and can significantly impact overall health. Over time, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, which may require dialysis or kidney transplantation.
Certain factors can increase your risk for kidney disease. Being 65 or older, African American, having diabetes or high blood pressure, or having a family history of these conditions can raise your risk.
Symptoms of kidney disease include:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or hands
- Changes in frequency of urination
- Foamy or bloody urine
- Muscle cramping
- Difficulty concentrating
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your PCP. Simple blood and urine tests can determine if kidney disease might be the cause.
The role of diabetes in kidney disease
Diabetes is a health condition that affects the body’s ability to process sugar. High levels of sugar in the blood can affect the kidneys. About 38 percent of people with diabetes also have kidney disease.
Although some people are diagnosed with diabetes in childhood, most develop it later in life. Type 2 adult-onset diabetes can develop slowly, so people may have it for a while before they start experiencing symptoms. Untreated diabetes can damage your kidneys.
How does high blood pressure affect kidneys?
As blood moves throughout the body, it exerts a certain force against the walls of blood vessels. Blood pressure measures this force.
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. Since there are typically no symptoms of high blood pressure, many people don’t know they have it.
Approximately 20 percent of people with high blood pressure also have kidney disease. Over time, high blood pressure damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to remove waste and fluid. This causes blood pressure to spike even higher, creating an ongoing cycle of damage.
Regular PCP visits can keep your health on track
Many people only experience mild symptoms (or no symptoms at all) in the early stages of diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease. That’s why it’s important to see your PCP regularly.
Your PCP can easily check your blood pressure with an inflatable arm cuff. They can also order bloodwork like a glucose test and a hemoglobin A1C test to measure blood sugar levels.
Based on your health, age, and family history, your PCP may also recommend regular blood and urine tests to measure kidney function.
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, your PCP can prescribe medications to help manage your condition. Controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the progression of kidney disease. Remember to follow all instructions when taking these medications. Never stop any medication without talking to your PCP first.
Medications are important, but so is understanding how you can protect your health. That’s where health literacy comes into play. Health literacy means knowing where to find good information and how to use it to make healthy choices.
Your PCP is a great resource to help you understand your health. Be honest with them about your symptoms or concerns. Ask questions. Learn how your medications work. Ask which websites they trust to provide reliable information.
Kidney disease is a common chronic condition that can be easily treated when it’s detected early. Your PCP can help you understand your risks, monitor your health, and create a treatment plan that works for you. By staying informed, scheduling regular checkups, and asking questions, you can protect your kidney health and overall well-being for years to come.
