Our approach to chronic kidney disease

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 90% of them do not know it.

Kidney disease occurs if your kidneys are no longer able to complete the many important jobs they do to keep your body in a healthy balance.

The main function of the kidney is to remove waste and extra fluid from the body through the urine. In the presence of kidney disease, the kidneys are no longer able to reduce the waste, causing a buildup of harmful substances in the body. Kidney Disease is considered chronic when the kidneys are no longer able to do this important job, generally for 3 months or more.

Other important functions of the kidneys are:

• helping to make red blood cells
• balancing important minerals in your body
• helping maintain your blood pressure
• keeping your bones healthy

Occasionally, a condition can occur where the kidneys are suddenly not able to filter waste products from the blood, referred to as acute kidney injury (AKI); this can happen in a few hours or a few days and is usually a condition that can be reversed.

Causes of chronic kidney disease

There are several risk factors that can lead to chronic kidney disease:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• obesity
• family history of CKD or kidney failure
• history of acute kidney injury (AKI)
• advancing age (over 60)
• smoking/tobacco use

Knowing your risk level is important, you should ask your primary care/family medical provider to evaluate you for kidney disease if you have any of the risk factors above.

Treatment and care of chronic kidney disease

WellSpan’s expert team is here to help you take care of you and keep your kidneys healthy. They work with you to keep the CKD from getting worse and reduce your risk of other health problems, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

While there’s no cure for CKD, you can take steps to preserve your kidney function, so they work as long as possible.

If you have reduced kidney function:

• Make and keep your regular healthcare provider visits to monitor your kidney health.
• Manage your blood glucose (sugar) if you have diabetes.
• Manage your blood pressure levels.
• Avoid taking painkillers and other medications that may make your kidney disease worse.
• Follow a kidney-friendly diet. Dietary changes may include limiting protein, eating foods that reduce blood cholesterol levels, and limiting sodium (salt) and potassium intake.
• Don’t smoke.
• Exercise/be active on most days of the week.
• Stay at a weight that’s healthy for you.

We recommend you get screened for CKD if you’re over 60 and have any of the following:

• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• a family history of kidney failure
• advancing age 60yrs +

CKD is diagnosed using two simple tests:

• A blood test known as an eGFR Estimated Granular Filtration Rate.
• A urine test known as uACR or Urine Albumin Ratio.

Both tests are necessary to correctly diagnosis kidney disease. If the results of your eGFR are below 60 and/or the results of the uACR is over 30 for three months or more, you have chronic kidney disease.

Managing your diet to keep your kidneys healthy

It is recommended that you work with a registered dietician to help you learn about healthy foods that can help keep your kidneys healthy and avoid overworking them. Ask your provider to refer you to the WellSpan Nutrition Services team.

Here are some important key take-aways to better manage your kidney health:

• Reduce your sodium (salt) Intake. Increased amounts of salt can cause your blood pressure to raise by holding onto the excess fluid in your body. Avoid processed foods, choose products labeled low or no sodium and reduce the amount of added salt you use on your food. Instead use herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of your food.
• Limit protein intake. High levels of protein can make your kidneys work extra hard to remove the excess.
• Limit potassium and phosphorus Intake. Too much phosphorus and/or potassium can affect your heart and bone health. Common foods high in potassium are bananas, oranges, and potatoes. Foods high in phosphorus are meat, poultry, fish, and nuts.

How we can help

At WellSpan, we are dedicated to taking great care of our patients. Our team of kidney specialists are very skilled and experienced. That's why WellSpan is the best choice for people who need care of patients with chronic kidney disease. We create treatment plans that are tailored to each patient, and we always put the patient's needs first. With WellSpan, you can trust that you will receive the best care possible. 

Other recommended screenings

If you have diabetes, we suggest that you have the following screenings:

• hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) blood test (at least twice a year or every three months. Based on results)
• kidney health evaluation (annual)
• eGFR blood test
• urine albumin creatine ratio (uACR) urine test
• diabetes foot exam (annual)
• diabetic eye exam (annual - consult your eye care specialist or primary care provider)

Get started today!

Call your primary care provider to schedule an appointment or connect with one of our kidney specialists listed below to talk about your kidney health, diabetes, and screenings.