Chronic Kidney Disease (Nephropathy)

CKD stands for chronic kidney disease. Having CKD means your kidneys have been damaged to the point that they can’t filter waste and extra fluid from your body as well as they should. Over time, this can lead to a buildup of waste products, toxins, and extra fluid. “Chronic” doesn’t mean the condition is severe, it just means it’s ongoing. 

If you have diabetes, high blood glucose (blood sugar) can damage the tiny vessels in your kidneys that filter your blood. Over time, this damage can affect how well your kidneys work. High blood pressure, the other leading cause of CKD, also causes damage. 

Usually with two simple tests, a urine test (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or UACR) and a blood test (estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR), which are usually part of a routine healthcare visit. The results of these tests are used to diagnose CKD. 

Most people don’t notice any symptoms in the early stages of CKD, even as kidney damage is happening.  

As CKD progresses, some people have swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, hands, or face feel more tired than usual or notice changes in how often they urinate. 

In advanced CKD, symptoms may also include  

• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting 
• Trouble concentrating 
• Foamy urine 
• Itching, numbness, dry skin, or darkened skin 
• Weight loss 
• Muscle cramps 
• Chest pain or shortness of breath 
• Worsening edema 
   

Anyone with diabetes or high blood pressure is at a significantly higher risk, as well as people with a family history of kidney disease or people living with overweight or obesity. CKD is also more common in non-Hispanic Black adults than non-Hispanic white adults or Hispanic adults. 

You can take steps to prevent or delay CKD by following your treatment plan to reach your blood glucose and blood pressure targets. If you are already living with CKD, managing blood glucose and blood pressure can keep it from getting worse.

The goal of treating CKD is to keep you feeling well and prevent or delay more damage to your kidneys. Your treatment plan will depend on what stage of CKD you have but managing your blood glucose and blood pressure are the two most important parts of protecting your kidney health. Your doctor may also prescribe medications. In later stages, your healthcare team will talk to you about dialysis and kidney transplants as options.