Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Your kidneys are important organs that help keep your body healthy in many ways. They remove waste and extra fluid from your blood, help control your blood pressure, and support strong bones. Sometimes, however, the kidneys can slowly lose their ability to work well over time. This is called chronic kidney disease, or CKD.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are not working as well as they should for at least three months. The most common reasons this happens are:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar over time)

• High blood pressure (which can strain the kidneys)

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus

• IgA nephropathy

Many other conditions can cause kidney damage and early detection and treatment can avoid progression to end-stage kidney disease and need for dialysis or kidney transplanation. CKD can affect people of any age, but it becomes more common as we get older.

Early CKD Often Has No Signs

In the early stages, most people don’t feel any different. As the condition progresses to very advanced stages, some people may notice:

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or around the eyes

• Poor appetite

• Dry or itchy skin

Because there are often no early signs, CKD is often discovered during routine checkups or lab tests.

How Do Doctors Check for CKD?

Two simple tests help check how well your kidneys are working:

• Blood test: This measures how well your kidneys are cleaning the blood. A higher number means better kidney function.

• Urine test: This checks if there is protein leaking into your urine, which can be a sign that the kidneys are under stress.

Sometimes, other tests such as scans or pictures of the kidneys are needed to learn more.

Why is Early Detection Important?

Finding CKD early is very important. Even though kidney problems usually cannot be reversed, early treatment and healthy habits can help slow the condition down and protect your kidneys.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney problems, it is a good idea to get your kidneys checked regularly.

How is CKD Managed?

If you are diagnosed with CKD, your healthcare provider may recommend:

• Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar at healthy levels

• Eating a balanced diet that supports kidney health

• Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight

• Avoiding certain medications or products that can harm the kidneys

The goal is to protect your kidney function and help you feel your best.

The Takeaway

Chronic kidney disease means your kidneys are not working properly over a long period of time. Because it often has no early warning signs, regular checkups are important—especially if you have risk factors.

Early care can make a big difference. If you have concerns about your kidney health, talk with your healthcare provider. You deserve care and support to stay as healthy as possible.