Kidney Disease Facts: 7 Things You Need to Know About Kidney Disease by Cindy Cooke, DNP, FNP-C, FAANP

Roughly 30 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and an astounding 96 percent of people with kidney damage have no idea they have it. Known as the silent killer, kidney disease has no symptoms in its early stages and is often detected too late. As a result, every year, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer. Here are seven things you need to know to make sure your kidneys aren’t failing you: 

• Adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, or both, have a far greater risk of developing kidney disease.
• Heart disease, obesity and family history are other major risk factors.
• Uncontrolled blood pressure and elevated blood sugar levels slowly destroy kidney function.
• Women are more likely to have kidney disease than men.
• People know they have kidney disease because they take blood and urine tests.
• Kidney disease can be treated and managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
• Untreated, kidney disease can lead to heart disease and stroke. 

Visit your health-care provider to learn if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney problems. Early detection can be lifesaving!