2024134KnowYourKidneysCodingwithMobile7c

Do you have any of these health conditions?

What is an eGFR test result?

Diabetes

Asian

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One year ago or less

Hispanic or Latino

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More than one year ago

I do not have an eGFR test result

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I’m not sure

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Disclaimer: The statements and opinions contained here are strictly those of the American Kidney Fund and do not represent official positions of any governing medical body. This information is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified professional. All information presented here should be used in consultation with a healthcare provider of your choice.

Submit

Enter your eGFR test result:

Enter your uACR test result:

It may be written in a few different ways. Look for “urine albumin creatinine ratio,” “microalbumin/ creatinine ratio,” “uACR,” or “ACR.” Here is a sample of what your lab report may look like:

Your eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) result is a number that measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in your blood. The higher the number, the better your kidneys are working. Your eGFR result is also based on your age, sex and weight.

Not sure where to find your uACR result?

Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure

Yes

Not sure where to find your eGFR result?

years old

I do not know or do not want to answer

Finally, let’s get your age

Other

SELECT ALL THAT APPLY

Here are your kidney health results

When did you have this test?

Please enter your age in years.

I do not have any of these

Add your eGFR (blood test) result if you have it

Use our Know Your Kidney Numbers interactive tool to learn about

Let’s review your racial or ethnic background

Add your uACR (urine or pee test) result if you have it

I do not have a uACR test result

What is your race/ethnicity?

I do not want to answer

American Indian or Alaska Native

CONTINUE

GO BACK

Your kidney health now

• You have had one or both tests, but cannot find the results • You have not taken either test, but want to learn more about your kidney health

Your risk of developing kidney disease in the future

How to slow down damage to your kidneys if you have kidney disease

Learn more about tests for kidney disease

Based on your lab test results, your kidneys are working well. You may not have any symptoms or notice any effects on your health from this mild kidney damage. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, talk to your doctor about a plan to keep track of your kidney health now and in the future. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan: Choose lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink enough fluid and avoid added salt and excess sugar.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco. Most of the time, your kidneys are still working well. You may not have any symptoms that you can feel, but you may have signs of kidney disease, such as high blood pressure or protein in your urine.Talk to your healthcare provider Talk to your healthcare provider about:A plan to keep track of your kidney health, such as getting lab tests once a year.If you should look for a nephrologist (kidney doctor).Any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You may need to stop taking some medicines that can worsen the damage to your kidneys.If you have high blood pressure, ask about medicines that help keep your blood pressure at a safe level.If you have diabetes, ask about how to keep your blood sugar within your target range. Your kidneys still work to filter extra fluid and waste out of your blood, but some of this waste stays in your body. This waste can build up and cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure and bone disease, and heart disease. Your kidneys still work well enough that you do not need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment to clean your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to. You may have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:Feeling weak and tiredSwelling in your hands or feetSkin that feels dry or itchyPain in your lower backMuscle crampsUrine that is foamy or darker in color than usualTalk to your healthcare provider Talk to your healthcare provider about:A plan to keep track of your kidney health, such as getting lab tests two times a year or more.Building a health care team to help you make a treatment plan, including:A nephrologist (kidney doctor) if you do not have oneA dietitian (a nutrition expert) who can help you plan healthy meals and snacksTreatments or medicines to slow down the damage to your kidneys.Any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You may need to stop taking some medicines that can worsen the damage to your kidneys.If you have high blood pressure, ask about medicines that help keep your blood pressure at a safe level.If you have diabetes, ask about how to keep your blood sugar within your target range. Your kidneys may still filter extra fluid and waste out of your body, but not as well as they should. The waste that stays in your body can build up and cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure, bone disease and heart disease. You may have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:Feeling weak and tiredSwelling in your hands or feetSkin that feels dry or itchyPain in your lower backMuscle crampsUrine that is foamy or darker in color than usualTalk with your nephrologist, or find one if you do not have one already A nephrologist (kidney doctor) will treat your kidney disease with medicines that help with your symptoms and other health problems that kidney disease can cause, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You should see your nephrologist about every three months for lab tests and to talk about how you are feeling, such as if you are having trouble following your treatment plan. Talk to your nephrologist about:Finding a dietitian (a nutrition expert) who can help you plan healthy meals and snacks that you will want to eat.Future choices you may have to make, such as going on dialysis or getting a kidney transplant.Treatments or medicines to slow down the damage to your kidneys.Any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You may need to stop taking some medicines that can worsen the damage to your kidneys. Your kidneys may not be filtering very much, if any, extra fluid or waste out of your body. The waste that stays in your body can make you very sick and cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure, bone disease and heart disease. You may have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:Feeling weak and tiredSwelling in your arms, hands, legs or feetMaking little or no urine (pee)Headaches or pain in your lower backFeeling sick to your stomachMuscle crampsFeeling less hungry than normalTrouble breathingChanges in your skin color

mg/g

What can I do to keep my kidneys working well? Follow a kidney-friendly food plan: Choose lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink enough fluid and avoid added salt and excess sugar.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ What are my next steps? Take your results with you to your next doctor’s appointment.Ask your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure to make sure it is in a healthy range for you.If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar (glucose) regularly to make sure it is in a healthy range for you.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? Making healthy choices to slow down the damage to your kidneys is important. If your kidney damage gets worse, you may develop kidney disease in the future. If that happens, your kidneys must work harder to get rid of waste. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian, which is a nutrition expert who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed), but with treatment and healthy life changes, you can slow down the damage to your kidneys and keep them working as long as possible. These healthy life changes can also help you feel better if you are having symptoms. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed). However, you can take steps to slow down the damage to your kidneys and help you feel your best. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ What can I do if my kidneys have failed or are close to failing? You will need to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor). The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed), but there are treatment options that can help you live. Your nephrologist will discuss your treatment options, which include medicines to help with your symptoms and other health problems kidney disease can cause. These medicines include:Blood pressure medicines that help slow the damage to your kidneysDiabetes medicines to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level (even if you do not have diabetes).Medicines to help with swelling (diuretics).Treatments for kidney failure If your kidneys have failed, you will need treatment that takes the place of your kidneys to survive. These are:Dialysis, which is a treatment to clean your blood when your kidneys are not able to.A kidney transplant, which is surgery to give you a kidney from someone else’s bodyEven if your kidneys are still working, ask your nephrologist to help you learn about your dialysis options. If your kidneys fail, you will want to be ready to get dialysis when you need it. Follow your treatment plan You should see your nephrologist about every three months for lab tests and to talk about how you are feeling, such as if you are having trouble following your treatment plan. You should also:Meet with a dietitian to help you create and follow a kidney-friendly eating plan. Your eating plan may involve limiting certain things to prevent them from building up in your body, such as fluids, potassium, salt (sodium) or phosphorus.Follow your diabetes treatment plan to keep your blood sugar within your target range, if you have diabetes.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ PDF only sectionShare this QR code with your healthcare professionals to connect them to American Kidney Fund resources. The statements and opinions contained here are strictly those of the American Kidney Fund and do not represent official positions of any governing medical body. This information is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified professional. All information presented here should be used in consultation with a healthcare provider of your choice. ================

mg/mmol

Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) is a urine test that measures the amount of two substances:

• Albumin (a protein that is found in your blood) • Creatinine (a waste product in your blood that comes from your muscles)

Your healthcare provider will compare these two results to figure out your uACR. If your urine has albumin (protein) in it, this can be a sign that your kidneys are not filtering your blood as well as they should, and your kidneys are damaged.

White

What is a uACR test result?

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Why are we asking this?

Let's review your family history

Kidney disease disproportionately affects communities of color. By asking this question, we can provide you with more specific information on your risk.

Does anyone in your family have kidney disease, such as a parent, grandparent or sibling?

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Continue

Know Your Kidney Numbers

We are unable to provide a kidney health report.

You must enter at least one lab test result to use this tool. Please come back and try again when you have eGFR and/or uACR lab test results. Contact your healthcare provider if:

Family historyYou shared you have a family history of kidney disease. Kidney disease runs in families. Find out more about your family health history, such as:Who in your family has kidney disease?What type of kidney disease did they have?Bring this information to your healthcare provider to talk about how it may affect your risk of developing kidney disease yourself, or what to do if you have kidney disease. Learn more about family history and kidney disease. Racial and ethnic backgroundYou shared you are African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Asian American. This may give you a higher risk of developing kidney disease. This may be because diabetes and high blood pressure are more common in these groups. Learn more about the connection between race/ethnicity and kidney disease. Health conditionsYou shared you have diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Together, these conditions can give you a much higher risk of developing kidney disease or make kidney disease worse. Talk to your healthcare provider about keeping your blood pressure under control and treating your heart disease with medicines. Learn more about high blood pressure and kidney disease.AgeYou shared you are XX years old. Kidney disease can happen at any age, but it is more common in people ages 60 and older. As people age, their kidney function tends to go down. Talk to your healthcare provider about yearly tests and exams to check your kidney health.

Let’s review your health conditions

Download my report

How to slow down damage to your kidneys if you have kidney disease

View your kidney health results

Use our Know Your Kidney Numbers interactive tool to learn about

View Your Results

• You have had one or both tests, but cannot find the results • You have not taken either test, but want to learn more about your kidney health

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified professional. All information presented here should be used in consultation with a healthcare provider of your choice.

Your risk of developing kidney disease in the future

We are unable to provide a kidney health report.

You must enter at least one lab test result to use this tool. Please come back and try again when you have eGFR and/or uACR lab test results. Contact your healthcare provider if:

Let’s review your racial or ethnic background

Based on the information you entered into our interactive kidney health tool, learn about your kidney health and what you can do to protect your kidneys now and in the future. Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, which your body removes through urine (pee). If your kidneys are damaged and do not work as well as they should, fluid and waste build up in your body. Based on your test results, your kidneys have some damage and do not work as well as they should to filter waste from your blood.Your uACR result is 3 mg/mmol. You said you don't have a uACR test.A uACR number between 3 and 29 mg/mmol or 30 and 299 mg/g means the test found some albumin (protein) in your urine. This protein can mean your kidneys have moderate damage and are not working as well as they should. uACR (Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio), which is a urine (or pee) test that measures the amount of albumin (a protein that is found in your blood) and creatinine (a waste product in your blood that comes from your muscles). Your eGFR result is 70 mL/min/1.73.An eGFR number between 60 and 89 means your kidneys’ ability to filter waste from your blood is mildly decreased. You may have mild kidney damage. eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), which is a blood test that measures the amount of creatinine, a waste product, in your blood. The higher the number, the better your kidneys are working. Your eGFR result is also based on your age, sex and weight. Your eGFR test result is in a normal range, but your UACR test result is not. This can happen with some health problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about these results and ask if you need more tests. Ask your healthcare provider about repeating these tests.You shared you had your blood or urine tests more than one year ago. Ask your healthcare provider about having these tests again soon, so your results are up-to-date. second panelHealth Information and Kidney Disease Family historyYou shared you have a family history of kidney disease. Kidney disease runs in families. Find out more about your family health history, such as:Who in your family has kidney disease?What type of kidney disease did they have?Bring this information to your healthcare provider to talk about how it may affect your risk of developing kidney disease yourself, or what to do if you have kidney disease. Learn more about family history and kidney disease. Racial and ethnic backgroundYou shared you are African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native American or Asian American. This may give you a higher risk of developing kidney disease. This may be because diabetes and high blood pressure are more common in these groups. Learn more about the connection between race/ethnicity and kidney disease. Health conditionsYou shared you have diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Together, these conditions can give you a much higher risk of developing kidney disease or make kidney disease worse. Talk to your healthcare provider about keeping your blood pressure under control and treating your heart disease with medicines. Learn more about high blood pressure and kidney disease.AgeYou shared you are XX years old. Kidney disease can happen at any age, but it is more common in people ages 60 and older. As people age, their kidney function tends to go down. Talk to your healthcare provider about yearly tests and exams to check your kidney health. 3rd panelWhat do these results mean for my kidney health? Based on your lab test results, your kidneys are working well. You may not have any symptoms or notice any effects on your health from this mild kidney damage. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, talk to your doctor about a plan to keep track of your kidney health now and in the future. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan: Choose lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink enough fluid and avoid added salt and excess sugar.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco. Most of the time, your kidneys are still working well. You may not have any symptoms that you can feel, but you may have signs of kidney disease, such as high blood pressure or protein in your urine.Talk to your healthcare provider Talk to your healthcare provider about:A plan to keep track of your kidney health, such as getting lab tests once a year.If you should look for a nephrologist (kidney doctor).Any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You may need to stop taking some medicines that can worsen the damage to your kidneys.If you have high blood pressure, ask about medicines that help keep your blood pressure at a safe level.If you have diabetes, ask about how to keep your blood sugar within your target range. Your kidneys still work to filter extra fluid and waste out of your blood, but some of this waste stays in your body. This waste can build up and cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure and bone disease, and heart disease. Your kidneys still work well enough that you do not need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment to clean your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to. You may have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:Feeling weak and tiredSwelling in your hands or feetSkin that feels dry or itchyPain in your lower backMuscle crampsUrine that is foamy or darker in color than usualTalk to your healthcare provider Talk to your healthcare provider about:A plan to keep track of your kidney health, such as getting lab tests two times a year or more.Building a health care team to help you make a treatment plan, including:A nephrologist (kidney doctor) if you do not have oneA dietitian (a nutrition expert) who can help you plan healthy meals and snacksTreatments or medicines to slow down the damage to your kidneys.Any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You may need to stop taking some medicines that can worsen the damage to your kidneys.If you have high blood pressure, ask about medicines that help keep your blood pressure at a safe level.If you have diabetes, ask about how to keep your blood sugar within your target range. Your kidneys may still filter extra fluid and waste out of your body, but not as well as they should. The waste that stays in your body can build up and cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure, bone disease and heart disease. You may have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:Feeling weak and tiredSwelling in your hands or feetSkin that feels dry or itchyPain in your lower backMuscle crampsUrine that is foamy or darker in color than usualTalk with your nephrologist, or find one if you do not have one already A nephrologist (kidney doctor) will treat your kidney disease with medicines that help with your symptoms and other health problems that kidney disease can cause, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You should see your nephrologist about every three months for lab tests and to talk about how you are feeling, such as if you are having trouble following your treatment plan. Talk to your nephrologist about:Finding a dietitian (a nutrition expert) who can help you plan healthy meals and snacks that you will want to eat.Future choices you may have to make, such as going on dialysis or getting a kidney transplant.Treatments or medicines to slow down the damage to your kidneys.Any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines. You may need to stop taking some medicines that can worsen the damage to your kidneys. Your kidneys may not be filtering very much, if any, extra fluid or waste out of your body. The waste that stays in your body can make you very sick and cause other health problems, such as high blood pressure, bone disease and heart disease. You may have symptoms of kidney disease, such as:Feeling weak and tiredSwelling in your arms, hands, legs or feetMaking little or no urine (pee)Headaches or pain in your lower backFeeling sick to your stomachMuscle crampsFeeling less hungry than normalTrouble breathingChanges in your skin color 4th panel What can I do to keep my kidneys working well? Follow a kidney-friendly food plan: Choose lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink enough fluid and avoid added salt and excess sugar.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco. What are my next steps? Take your results with you to your next doctor’s appointment.Ask your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure to make sure it is in a healthy range for you.If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar (glucose) regularly to make sure it is in a healthy range for you.Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? Making healthy choices to slow down the damage to your kidneys is important. If your kidney damage gets worse, you may develop kidney disease in the future. If that happens, your kidneys must work harder to get rid of waste. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian, which is a nutrition expert who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed), but with treatment and healthy life changes, you can slow down the damage to your kidneys and keep them working as long as possible. These healthy life changes can also help you feel better if you are having symptoms. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed). However, you can take steps to slow down the damage to your kidneys and help you feel your best. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. What can I do if my kidneys have failed or are close to failing? You will need to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor). The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed), but there are treatment options that can help you live. Your nephrologist will discuss your treatment options, which include medicines to help with your symptoms and other health problems kidney disease can cause. These medicines include:Blood pressure medicines that help slow the damage to your kidneysDiabetes medicines to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level (even if you do not have diabetes).Medicines to help with swelling (diuretics).Treatments for kidney failure If your kidneys have failed, you will need treatment that takes the place of your kidneys to survive. These are:Dialysis, which is a treatment to clean your blood when your kidneys are not able to.A kidney transplant, which is surgery to give you a kidney from someone else’s bodyEven if your kidneys are still working, ask your nephrologist to help you learn about your dialysis options. If your kidneys fail, you will want to be ready to get dialysis when you need it. Follow your treatment plan You should see your nephrologist about every three months for lab tests and to talk about how you are feeling, such as if you are having trouble following your treatment plan. You should also:Meet with a dietitian to help you create and follow a kidney-friendly eating plan. Your eating plan may involve limiting certain things to prevent them from building up in your body, such as fluids, potassium, salt (sodium) or phosphorus.Follow your diabetes treatment plan to keep your blood sugar within your target range, if you have diabetes.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more.

It may be written in a few different ways. Look for “urine albumin creatinine ratio,” “microalbumin/creatinine ratio,” “uACR,” or “ACR.” Here is a sample of what your lab report may look like:

Heart disease, such as coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure

Add your eGFR (blood test) result if you have it

Add your uACR (urine or pee test) result if you have it

• Albumin (a protein that is found in your blood) • Creatinine (a waste product in your blood that comes from your muscles)

What can I do to keep my kidneys working well?Follow a kidney-friendly food plan: Choose lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables, drink enough fluid and avoid added salt and excess sugar.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health.download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ What are my next steps?Take your results with you to your next doctor’s appointment.Ask your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure to make sure it is in a healthy range for you.If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar (glucose) regularly to make sure it is in a healthy range for you.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health.download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? Making healthy choices to slow down the damage to your kidneys is important. If your kidney damage gets worse, you may develop kidney disease in the future. If that happens, your kidneys must work harder to get rid of waste. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian, which is a nutrition expert who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health.download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed), but with treatment and healthy life changes, you can slow down the damage to your kidneys and keep them working as long as possible. These healthy life changes can also help you feel better if you are having symptoms. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health.download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ How can I slow down the damage to my kidneys? The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed). However, you can take steps to slow down the damage to your kidneys and help you feel your best. Here are ways to help keep your kidneys working well as long as possible:Follow a kidney-friendly food plan. Meet with a dietitian who can look at your lab test results and help you plan healthy meals and snacks you will want to eat.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health. Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health.download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================ What can I do if my kidneys have failed or are close to failing? You will need to see a nephrologist (kidney doctor). The damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed (healed), but there are treatment options that can help you live. Your nephrologist will discuss your treatment options, which include medicines to help with your symptoms and other health problems kidney disease can cause. These medicines include:Blood pressure medicines that help slow the damage to your kidneysDiabetes medicines to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level (even if you do not have diabetes).Medicines to help with swelling (diuretics).Treatments for kidney failureIf your kidneys have failed, you will need treatment that takes the place of your kidneys to survive. These are:Dialysis, which is a treatment to clean your blood when your kidneys are not able to.A kidney transplant, which is surgery to give you a kidney from someone else’s bodyEven if your kidneys are still working, ask your nephrologist to help you learn about your dialysis options. If your kidneys fail, you will want to be ready to get dialysis when you need it. Follow your treatment planYou should see your nephrologist about every three months for lab tests and to talk about how you are feeling, such as if you are having trouble following your treatment plan. You should also:Meet with a dietitian to help you create and follow a kidney-friendly eating plan. Your eating plan may involve limiting certain things to prevent them from building up in your body, such as fluids, potassium, salt (sodium) or phosphorus.Follow your diabetes treatment plan to keep your blood sugar within your target range, if you have diabetes.Be active for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. This can be anything from walking or riding a bike to swimming or dancing.Keep a healthy weight. Talk with your doctor about a healthy weight for you.Quit smoking or using tobacco.Thanks for the time to learn more about your kidney health.download toolkit Download Your Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Toolkit to learn more. ================PDF only sectionShare this QR code with your healthcare professionals to connect them to American Kidney Fund resources. The statements and opinions contained here are strictly those of the American Kidney Fund and do not represent official positions of any governing medical body. This information is not intended to provide medical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified professional. All information presented here should be used in consultation with a healthcare provider of your choice. ================