Points to Remember About Kidney Health

• Your kidneys are vital organs that keep your blood clean and chemically balanced.
  
  
• The progression of kidney disease can be slowed, but it cannot always be reversed.
  
  
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the total loss of kidney function.
  
  
• Dialysis and transplantation can extend the lives of people with ESRD.
  
  
• Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure.
  
  
• You should see a nephrologist regularly if you have renal disease.
  
  
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  
  
• If you are in the early stages of renal disease, you may be able to save your remaining renal function for many years by
  
  
• controlling your blood glucose
• controlling your blood pressure
• following a low-protein diet
• maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in your blood
• taking an ACE inhibitor or an ARB
• quitting smoking