Are You at Risk?
 The two leading causes of kidney failure in the United States are diabetes and high blood pressure. However, experts estimate that as many as 70 percent of all cases of kidney failure may be prevented and can be delayed with proper treatment. A quick test could determine if you are at risk of chronic kidney disease. If you answer yes to any of the following five questions, you may be at risk of chronic kidney disease:

1. I have high blood pressure.
2. I have diabetes.
3. I have a parent, grandparent, brother or sister with high blood pressure.
4. I have a parent, grandparent, brother or sister with diabetes.
5. I have a parent, grandparent, brother or sister with chronic kidney failure.

Diabetes and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States. Because a cure for diabetic chronic kidney disease has not yet been found, treatment involves controlling the disorder and slowing its progression to kidney failure. Current research suggests that control of high blood pressure is a key factor in slowing this disease. Careful control of blood sugar levels and reducing dietary protein intake also may be important. Treatment to prevent diabetic kidney disease should begin early--before kidney damage is obvious. It is important for everyone to know more about diabetic kidney disease and to learn to recognize its early warning signs.

Some of the Signs that a Diabetic May Be Developing Chronic Kidney Disease:

• Protein in the urine
• High blood pressure
  
• Leg swelling, leg cramps
  
• Increased need to urinate, especially at night
  
• Abnormal blood tests, a rise in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests
  
• Less need for insulin or anti-diabetic pills
  
• Morning sickness, nausea and vomiting
  
• Weakness, paleness and anemia
  
• Itching
  

High Blood Pressure and the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease
High blood pressure is one of the most common problems that can severely harm the kidneys. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the second leading cause of chronic kidney failure in the United States. Severe high blood pressure causes kidney malfunction over a relatively short period of time, but even mild forms of high blood pressure can damage kidneys over several years, with no symptoms evident until severe damage has already occurred. One of the major goals of the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan is to increase public awareness about high blood pressure, often called a silent killer, and kidney disease.

Facts about Monitoring and Controlling High Blood Pressure:

• High blood pressure should not be diagnosed on the basis of a single reading. Initial elevated readings should be confirmed on at least two follow-up visits.
• Certain individuals have a greater risk of developing high blood pressure -- such as older persons, people with a family history of high blood pressure, people who are overweight, and African Americans.
• Elevated blood pressure often causes no symptoms at all. It is important to have regular checkups to detect high blood pressure.
• Regular high blood pressure checkups should begin in childhood and continue throughout life.
• Many effective medications are available for treating high blood pressure. Newer medications being developed to treat high blood pressure have fewer side effects.
  

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