The Kidneys and How They Work-Points to Remember

The kidneys are two vital organs that keep the blood clean and chemically balanced.
Kidney disease can be detected through a spot check for protein or albumin in the urine and a calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on a blood test.
The progression of kidney disease can be slowed, but it cannot always be reversed.
End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the total or nearly total and permanent loss of kidney function.
Dialysis and transplantation can extend the lives of people with kidney failure.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure.
People with reduced kidney function should see their doctor regularly. Doctors who specialize in kidney disease are called nephrologists.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
People in the early stages of CKD may be able to save their remaining kidney function for many years by
- controlling their blood glucose
- controlling their blood pressure
- following a low-protein diet
- maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood
- taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
- not smoking

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