Know Your Risk to Prevent CKD
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of CKD. Find helpful ways to lower your risk and prevent CKD.
Know Your Risk for Kidney Disease
Reduce Your Risk
Understand the causes and risks of CKD and learn the answers to some common questions.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. High blood glucose (blood sugar) levels can damage blood vessels and lead to decreased kidney function.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney disease. High blood pressure can hurt blood vessels and increase stress on the kidneys.
Family History
While kidney disease isn’t contagious, it can run in families. If you have a family member who has diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, you may be at risk.
Smoking
Smoking can affect blood flow and blood pressure. It increases the risk of kidney disease, especially for people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure.
Measuring Kidney Function and the Five Stages of Kidney Disease
Your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures kidney health. It’s used by kidney doctors to understand what stage of CKD you may have. Learn more about GFR and the five stages of kidney disease and find healthy actions that may prevent CKD.
Healthy Living Tips
Important Diabetes Health Checks
Get more information about the numbers and goals needed to manage your diabetes so you can continue to keep your kidneys healthy.
Simple Steps to Increase Movement
It’s best to break up longer periods of sitting with some short, fun, and simple mini exercise breaks every thirty minutes. When you’re actively preventing diabetes-related kidney problems, it’s important to keep your body strong.
Resources
Get Connected to Local Support
Get the resources you need to manage your kidney health. Use the social care network from findhelp to get help and connect with professionals in areas of health care, nutrition, mental health, transportation, and so much more.
Find Connections
Nutritional Info for Your Favorite Foods
Smarter food options can help lower your risk of kidney damage. Use this simple tool to find nutrition information on the foods you love.
Learn More About Food
Delicious Kidney-Friendly Meals
Make your own healthy meals with the aim of caring for your kidneys and reduce the risk of complications.
Eat Better
Preparing for Physical Activity
Find new ways to become physically active and start enjoying the benefits of exercise as you continue to protect your kidneys.
Move More
Find Inspiration from Others
Learn about other people who know what you’re going through on your journey with diabetes. Read Erica’s story for new motivation to thrive.
Learn More
Discover Injury-Free Exercise Tips
Physical activity is important, but it needs to be safe. Learn how to minimize your risk of injury as you work hard to keep your kidneys healthy.
Stay Safe
Diabetes and Kidney Friendly Meal Planner
Use this placemat as your action plan for diabetes and kidney friendly meals. This Meal Planning Guide was developed for individuals who are not on dialysis.
Find Out MoreYou May Also Like
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking can be a challenge, but the benefits are worth it. If you are living with diabetes and want to protect your kidneys, this is an essential prevention strategy.
Risk Factors
People living with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney disease could be at risk for developing chronic kidney disease. Learn about how to prevent or delay CKD.
Dining Out Tips
You can take care of your kidneys AND eat out and enjoy a nice meal. Learn which foods to order when you eat out and enjoy the flavors of a kidney-friendly meal.
Diabetes-Related Infographics
Find helpful infographics to educate yourself or your patients.
Diabetes-Related Chronic Kidney Disease
Check out the latest infographic for people living with diabetes. This provides a visual guide of risk factors for developing CKD and how health care professional diagnose CKD. It also offers tips to prevent and manage CKD.
Diabetic Kidney Disease Infographic
Calling all clinicians. Use this infographic for a visual guide of ADA’s guidelines on screening and monitoring of diabetic kidney disease, as well as classification of chronic kidney disease.
