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Chronic Kidney Disease
and Our Community

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is impacting the
health of our communities. But we can take action.

WHAT IS Chronic Kidney Disease?

Imagine your kidneys are like a filter for your blood, cleaning out waste and extra water. Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, means this filter is getting clogged up and isn’t working as well as it should.

This can happen slowly over a long time, sometimes without you even noticing.

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Our NOWINCLUDED member, Miyoshi, shares how she was diagnosed.

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Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often has NO obvious symptoms in its early stages. However, some symptoms may include:

Painful Lumps

These painful lumps can range in size from small peas to larger, inflamed nodules (growths). They often appear in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts.

Tunnels Under the Skin

In severe cases, HS can cause tunnels (sinus tracts) to form under the skin, connecting the bumps.

Scarring

Repeated inflammation and healing can lead to raised or discolored scars and changes in skin texture.

Changes in Urination

Swelling

Fatigue

Learn More About CKD Prevention

Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD):

Things you can't change:

Family history: If you have a parent, sibling, or other close relative with CKD, your risk is higher. This could be due to shared genes or similar lifestyles.
Age: Your risk of CKD increases as you get older. This is because your kidneys naturally decline in function over time.
Ethnicity: Research shows that individuals of African, Native American, and Asian descent have a higher risk of CKD.

Things that might increase your risk:

High blood pressure: The second leading cause of CKD. High blood pressure puts a strain on the blood vessels in your kidneys.
Diabetes: This is the leading cause of CKD. High blood sugar damages the kidneys’ filtering system.
Heart disease: Heart problems can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to damage. Learn more.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, both major risk factors for CKD.
Some medications: Frequent use of certain medications, like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), can damage the kidneys over time.

Watch: The Numbers to Know for Good Kidney Health

Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease

KEEP YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE IN CHECK

High blood pressure is a major cause of CKD. Get it checked regularly.   

If it’s high, work with your doctor to manage it through lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication.

MANAGE YOUR BLOOD SUGAR

Diabetes is another leading cause of CKD. If you have diabetes, carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and follow your doctor’s recommendations to keep them in a healthy range.

GET MOVING

Regular exercise helps control blood pressure and blood sugar, which protects your kidneys.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Article: 5 Ways to Prevent Kidney Disease

Resources for Chronic Kidney Disease

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or just looking for tips on how to be proactive about your kidney health? Explore the resources below.

EXPLORE THE KIDNEY HEALTH HUB

Made in partnership with the American Kidney Fund, our hub makes it easy for you to find even more resources related to kidney health.

Explore Now

Chronic Kidney Disease
and Our Community

WHAT IS Chronic Kidney Disease?