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| Welcome to our 3-day series on preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Today, we’ll focus on the early signs and symptoms of kidney disease, because early detection is crucial for managing kidney health effectively. |
CKD affects about 35.5 million people in the United States — that’s around 14% of the population. As many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD don’t know they have it. This is because CKD often progresses silently, especially in its early stages.
African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American people have a higher risk of developing CKD.
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| Understanding CKD stages |
| CKD progresses through five stages based on how well the kidneys can filter waste from the blood. This is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR):
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Stage 1: Normal kidney function but with signs of kidney damage
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Stage 2: Mild loss of kidney function
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Stage 3: Moderate loss of kidney function
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Stage 4: Severe loss of kidney function
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Stage 5: Kidney failure
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| You might not notice any symptoms in the early stages (1–3). That’s why regular check-ups are crucial, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, which are the leading risk factors for CKD.
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| The diabetes-CKD connection |
| Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, responsible for about 44% of new cases. Here’s why:
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High blood sugar impact: Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste.
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Silent progression: Like CKD, diabetes can progress silently. Many people have diabetes for years before being diagnosed, during which time kidney damage may already be occurring.
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Regular kidney function tests are crucial if you have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual kidney function tests for all people with type 2 diabetes, and for those who’ve had type 1 diabetes for 5 years or more.
Remember, early detection and management of both diabetes and kidney disease can significantly improve outcomes.
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| Early signs and symptoms to watch for |
To help you remember these important signs and symptoms, we’ve created a visual guide. Consider saving it or printing it out as a reminder.
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| While early-stage CKD often has no symptoms, some signs may start to appear as the condition progresses. For those with diabetes, these signs may appear earlier or be more pronounced.
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| Later symptoms of CKD |
| In later stages, these symptoms may become more noticeable:
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unintentional weight loss
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muscle twitches and cramps
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| When to see a doctor |
| Contact a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worrying symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems.
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| Symptoms that warrant immediate attention include:
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severe, persistent lower back pain
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sudden swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, hands or face
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| Tomorrow, we’ll explore the role of nutrition in kidney health and how dietary choices can support your kidneys. Until then, stay kidney conscious and prioritize your health!
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