Chronic Kidney Disease Information
While most people are familiar with diabetes, they are unaware that it is a leading risk factor for developing kidney disease. Kidney disease also negatively affects other illnesses, such as heart disease and stroke, that are common among people with diabetes. African-Americans and Hispanics have an increased risk for kidney disease as well.
It is important that people with diabetes learn about kidney disease and know to ask their doctor for an annual urine microalbumin test to track their kidney function.
Want to learn more about kidney disease? Explore the links below to see if you or someone you care for is at risk for this disease, how to find out if you have the disease and how early treatment is key to living a full life with kidney disease.
Kidney Disease Backgrounder
From the National Kidney Disease Education Program, this page explains the issue of CKD, risk factors and treatment.
African-Americans & Kidney Disease (1-page, 262kb PDF)
This fact sheet from the National Kidney Disease Education Program is a general overview of how kidney disease is affecting the African-American community.
Online Resources
Patients and families affected by kidney disease may find the online resources listed below helpful.
Kidney School
Aimed at kidney patients in stages 3-5 of kidney disease, this site offers free, up-to-date, research-based information packaged in 20-minute educational modules. The interactive format allows patients to access and learn about topics such as living with kidney disease and how to work with your health care team.
American Association of Kidney Patients
Founded by kidney patients for kidney patients, this organization strives to provide education and resources that support the health and wellbeing for people with kidney disease. The website offers print resources as well information on community events and opportunities for kidney patients to participate in advocacy events.
Life Options
Life Options is a program of research, research-based education, and outreach founded in 1993 to help people live long and live well with kidney disease. A national panel of doctors, researchers, patients, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and ESRD Network directors reviews all Life Options materials and helps guide research.
The National Kidney Disease Education Program
Patients will find extensive information and resources in English and Spanish on this site, including easy-to-read informational brochures and fact sheets.
The National Kidney Foundation
This nonprofit organization provides patient and community services for people affected by kidney disease as well as supports preventive initiatives. In the “Patients” section of this website, people affected by kidney disease will find a range of topics related to living with kidney disease as well as supportive message boards frequented by other patients and families dealing with kidney issues.
Texas Renal Coalition
Advocacy, education and prevention to help promote awareness of kidney-related issues.
Fast Food Nutritional Guide (165-page, 32 MB PDF)
This extensive guide offers nutritional information for fast-food outlets operating across the U.S.