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Reducing Your Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease

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There are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Maintain Normal Blood Pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease. See your doctor to find out if you have high blood pressure. If you do, take the blood pressure medications your doctor prescribes. Aggressive treatment of your blood pressure can prevent further damage to your kidneys.

Control Blood Glucose Levels If You Have Diabetes

Diabetes is the number one cause of chronic kidney disease. Also, high blood glucose (blood sugar) levels make the condition worse. Simple tests can tell if you have diabetes. If you do, take the medications your doctor prescribes to reduce the risk of chronic renal disease.

Stop Smoking

Smoking makes chronic kidney disease worse. Ask your doctor for help in stopping.

Change Your Diet

Table salt, including potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and dietary protein make chronic kidney disease progress more quickly. Your doctor may recommend cutting down on salt and protein.

Don’t Overuse Medications Toxic to Kidneys

Prolonged use of medications, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and phenacetin, can lead to chronic kidney disease. Talk to your doctor if you take these medications regularly.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

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References

  • Are you at increased risk for chronic kidney disease? National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/atoz/pdf/11-10-1814.pdf . Accessed September 10, 2011.

  • Chronic kidney disease: patient information handout. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/kidney/832.html . Accessed September 10, 2011.

  • Luke RG. Chronic renal failure. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook Of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2004.

  • National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines for bone metabolism and disease in chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2003; 42:S1-201.

  • National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines for chronic kidney disease: evaluation, classification, and stratification. Am J Kidney Dis. 2002;39:S1-266.

  • National Kidney Foundation. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) clinical practice guidelines on hypertension and antihypertensive agents in chronic kidney disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2004; 43:S1-S29.

  • Snyder S, Pendergraph B. Detection and evaluation of chronic kidney disease. Am Fam Physicians. 2005;72:723-732.

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