Kidney disease: signs, causes and what you can do

About 1 in 10 adults has some form of kidney disease. Often it starts quietly, with no pain, so people only notice when labs change. The good news: early stages are controllable. Small, steady actions can slow or stop damage.

How kidney disease is diagnosed

Doctors use simple tests. A blood test measures creatinine and gives an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Roughly, eGFR 90+ is normal, 60–89 shows mild loss, 30–59 is moderate, 15–29 is severe, and under 15 usually means kidney failure. A urine test looks for albumin (protein) — the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). If either test is off, your doctor may order an ultrasound or, less often, a kidney biopsy to find the cause.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or repeated urinary infections, ask for these tests once a year. Early detection gives you options.

Everyday steps to protect your kidneys

Control blood sugar and blood pressure. Those two are the top causes of chronic kidney disease — diabetes and hypertension. Aim for the targets your doctor sets. Often blood pressure under 130/80 helps, but follow your provider’s advice.

Watch your medicines. Regular use of NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can harm kidneys, especially if you already have risk factors. Talk to your doctor before long-term use. Also mention any herbal supplements you take; some can affect kidney function.

Eat smart. Cut down on salty, processed foods — aim for under 2,300 mg of sodium a day, or less if your doctor says so. Don’t overdo protein; very high protein diets can stress damaged kidneys. A registered dietitian can give a plan that fits your health and lifestyle.

Stay active and hydrate reasonably. Regular exercise and a healthy weight reduce risk. Drink enough water for your activity level and climate, but if you have advanced kidney disease your doctor may advise fluid limits.

Stop smoking and limit alcohol. Smoking speeds up kidney damage and raises heart risk. Alcohol in excess can also worsen blood pressure and metabolic control.

When medication is needed, some drugs slow kidney decline. ACE inhibitors or ARBs (for example, lisinopril or losartan) are commonly used to protect kidneys in diabetics and people with protein in the urine. Your doctor will balance benefits and side effects. If kidneys fall to the final stage, treatments include dialysis or transplant — both work, but each has trade-offs. Planning early with your care team gives better outcomes.

Questions to ask your doctor: should I get an eGFR and ACR test now? What blood pressure and blood sugar targets should I aim for? Which pain medicines are safe for me? Small, specific questions like these lead to clear steps.

Kidney disease doesn’t have to spell helplessness. Check your numbers, protect your blood pressure and blood sugar, watch medications, and get yearly tests if you’re at risk. Those moves make a real difference.