Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease
There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Maintain Normal Blood Pressure
Hypertension
(high blood pressure) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease. See your doctor to find out if you have high blood pressure. If you do, take the blood pressure medications your doctor prescribes. Aggressive treatment of your blood pressure can prevent further damage to your kidneys.
Control Blood Glucose Levels If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes
is the number one cause of chronic kidney disease. Also, high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels make the condition worse. Simple tests can tell if you have diabetes. If you do, take the medications your doctor prescribes to reduce the risk of chronic renal disease.
Stop Smoking
Smoking makes chronic kidney disease worse. Ask your doctor for help in stopping.
Change Your Diet
Table salt, including potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and dietary protein make chronic kidney disease progress more quickly. Your doctor may recommend cutting down on salt and protein.
Don’t Overuse Medications Toxic to Kidneys
Prolonged use of medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and phenacetin, can lead to chronic kidney disease. Talk to your doctor if you take these medications regularly.
References
Are you at increased risk for chronic kidney disease? National Kidney Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.kidney.org/atoz/pdf/11-10-1814.pdf
. Accessed September 10, 2011.
Chronic kidney disease: patient information handout. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/kidney/832.html
. Accessed September 10, 2011.
Luke RG. Chronic renal failure. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.
Cecil Textbook Of Medicine.
22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004.
National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines for bone metabolism and disease in chronic kidney disease.
Am J Kidney Dis.
2003; 42:S1-201.
National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease: evaluation, classification, and stratification.
Am J Kidney Dis.
2002;39:S1-266.
National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines on hypertension and antihypertensive agents in chronic kidney disease.
Am J Kidney Dis.
2004; 43:S1-S29.
Snyder S, Pendergraph B. Detection and evaluation of chronic kidney disease.
Am Fam Physicians.
2005;72:723-732.