Regular Testing Essential for Chronic Kidney Disease in High Blood Pressure and Diabetes Patient

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health condition that affects more than one in seven people in the United States. CKD is caused by the damage to the kidneys, making them unable to effectively filter waste from the blood.

This level of damage is most commonly caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, and can lead to end-stage kidney disease if left untreated.

Symptoms

Early damage to the kidneys may not cause any symptoms, but over time, as the damage progresses, CKD may cause swelling in the extremities, fatigue, itchy or dry skin, changes in urination, appetite loss, muscle cramping, chest pain, headaches, nausea, sleep problems, weight loss, and issues with concentration. High blood pressure, which is also a leading cause of CKD, may show up as a symptom.

Causes

CKD is primarily caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, but other conditions like autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, tumors, chronic urinary tract infections, and inherited physical abnormalities can also lead to kidney damage. Social determinants of health, such as lack of insurance and access to medical care, can also impact health and increase the risk of CKD. People of color are disproportionately affected by CKD, with Hispanic people and American Indians being more likely to be diagnosed, and non-Hispanic Black people being overrepresented in the statistics.

Diagnosis

Regular checkups with a doctor are essential for individuals with risk factors for CKD, as early diagnosis is crucial in preventing further damage to the kidneys. A combination of blood and urine tests, such as creatinine levels, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR), are typically ordered to evaluate kidney function.

Treatment

The treatment options for CKD depend on the underlying cause of the disease and the severity of the damage to the kidneys. Treatment options may include medication to control high blood pressure and diabetes, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. In advanced cases, dialysis or a transplant may be necessary.

Conclusion

CKD is a serious health condition that affects a large portion of the US population. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial in early detection and management of the disease. If you have high blood pressure and / or diabetes, you should have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your kidney functions.

Related Articles

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

What is Dialysis?

Kidney Health Screening: Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR)

Creatinine and eGFR; What Are They and Why Are They Important?

References

If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, it's essential to get regular testing for chronic kidney disease

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‍About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.