Chronic kidney disease affects 26 million Americans, according to the National Kidney Foundation --- and millions of others are at increased risk. Early detection can prevent kidney failure and other serious health issues.

CKD is the slow loss of kidney function over a length of time. This disease lowers the kidneys' ability to remove waste from the body and perform other vital functions. It can lead to complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, nerve damage, heart disease, and kidney failure.

Symptoms of CKD include ---

• Fatigue; lower energy.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Decreased appetite.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Muscle cramps.
• Swollen feet or ankles.
• Puffiness around the eyes.
• Dry, itchy skin.
• Need to urinate more often, especially at night.
• Headaches.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Excessive thirst.
• Bone pain.
• Easy bruising or bleeding.

Detecting CKD

Most people will not have serious symptoms until advanced stages of CKD; therefore, it is extremely important to test for the disease to diagnose it early. CKD can be detected with a blood pressure screening and a urine test to detect kidney damage.

Though anyone can get CKD at any age, some have an increased risk for this disease, including those who ---

• have diabetes.
• have high blood pressure.
• have a family history of kidney issues.
• are 65 years of age or older.
• are of African-American, Hispanic, Pacific Islander, or Native American descent.

Though there is no cure for CKD, there are options to help the patient control the disease. One significant treatment path is controlling blood pressure, which is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the country, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Controlling cholesterol, eating nutritiously and getting exercise, not smoking, and sometimes taking medication or vitamins are also significant methods for managing CKD. A doctor will recommend a treatment plan depending on each individual's experience of CKD.

This article refers to information provided by The Plexus Groupe LLC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Kidney Foundation.

Six tips for diabetes prevention

Diabetes can be dangerous to your kidneys. It can cause your kidneys to break down and become unable to filter out waste products. Fortunately, you might have the ability to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Even if you display signs of prediabetes, a few key lifestyle changes can greatly improve your chances of avoiding the disease.

It is estimated that 85 percent of Americans with prediabetes are unaware of their current condition. It is important that you talk to your doctor about your family history and other potential warning signs of diabetes.

While diabetes can affect people of any weight, obesity plays a major factor in the development of the disease. By reducing your body weight by only 5 percent, you can cut your chance of developing diabetes by more than half.

Not only does regular exercise help manage body weight, it also encourages heart health and helps the body manage blood sugar levels.

In partnership with exercise, healthy eating is essential to losing excess weight. Focus on making healthy food choices every day by controlling portion size and eating a balanced diet of leafy greens, fruits, fish, and lean meats.  

Recent studies have shown that choosing whole grains over refined alternatives may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, because their nutrients release slowly into the blood steam, helping your body naturally manage blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels, and high blood sugar levels can increase risk for diabetes. By controlling your carbohydrate intake, you can keep your blood sugar levels under control.

This article provided by The Plexus Groupe LLC. 

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