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Your kidneys, the bean-shaped organs located near the middle of your back on either side of your spine, play a vital role in your overall health. While many people don’t think about them unless there’s an issue, they filter waste from your blood, which is released as urine, and do other jobs, such as helping control blood pressure, keeping bones healthy, managing vitamin D levels, regulating electrolytes and making red blood cells.
However, one in seven Americans is living with kidney disease, which occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood as well as they should. Additionally, nine out of 10 people with kidney disease are unaware they have it because symptoms often don’t appear until the kidneys are badly damaged.
A survey of the public awareness of kidney disease conducted by YouGov on behalf of the American Kidney Fund shows common misconceptions related to kidney disease. Consider these facts from “Know Your Kidneys” as a road map toward a better understanding of kidney disease and steps to improve health.
Kidney Disease Impacts All Communities
Kidney disease does not discriminate; it can affect individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status. Among those with some form of kidney disease, 6% are 18–29 years old, 19% are 30–44, 34% are 45–64 and 41% are 65 or older. While certain demographics may have higher prevalence rates due to genetic or environmental factors, no community is immune.
Diabetes Is the Most Common Cause
Though only 33% of people surveyed identified the most common cause of kidney disease, diabetes accounts for nearly half of all cases of kidney failure (47%), according to the American Kidney Fund.
Medications Can Help Manage Kidney Disease
While 19% of people surveyed believe diet and exercise are the only ways to manage kidney disease, various medications can, in fact, help manage the condition, stop or slow its progression and help prevent complications. These include medications to lower blood pressure, control blood sugar levels and treat anemia and bone disease associated with kidney disease.
Specific Tests Can Assess Kidney Function
The most common tests include blood tests to measure creatinine levels and urine tests to check for protein or blood, which can be indicators of kidney problems.
Learn how to take care of your kidney health, including taking kidney health quizzes to assess your risk, at KnowYourKidneys.org.
