Kidney Health

Learn the essentials of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and how it can be prevented and treated. This site includes basic information about kidney disease and CKD care for educators and patients. Also find a list of CKD resources and training for clinicians and diabetes educators.

For Educators and Patients

Find links, videos, and handouts about kidney disease risk, screening and monitoring, and management of CKD.

• Basic Information about Kidney Disease

  Keeping the kidneys healthy is important for people with diabetes. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and not smoking help reduce your risk of developing CKD.

  Resource	Description and Source
  Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov	Website providing tips to help keep kidneys healthy and questions to ask the health care provider during medical visits. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  Kidney Disease Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov	Website gives information about the basics of kidney disease and what kidneys do. Also provides a video about why testing is important. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  Preventing Diabetes Problems: Diabetic Kidney Disease Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov	Reference this webpage for information about the link between diabetes and kidney problems. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  Your Kidneys and How They Work Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov	Printable 4-page handout to better understand how the kidneys work, what they do, causes of kidney failure, stages of chronic kidney disease, and more. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  Your Kidney Test Results Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF]	Printable two-page tool to track your kidney test results. An explanation of why each test is important is also listed on this easy-to-use handout. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease Care

  There are five stages of CKD, ranging from mild to severe. Most people will not have any symptoms from CKD, while others may eventually need dialysis.

  CKD is complex. Talk to your health care provider about CKD and find out what you can do to take care of your kidneys.

  Resource	Format
  Chronic Kidney Disease: What Does It Mean For Me? [PDF – 948 KB]	Printable 14-page booklet to help gain a broad overview of chronic kidney disease. Source: National Kidney Diabetes Education Program
  Keeping Kidneys Safe: Smart Choices about Medicines Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov	Website about the medicines or supplements that a person may be taking and what they should do to find out if they are safe to use. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  Managing Chronic Kidney Disease Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov	Website with a wealth of information for those who have been newly diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
  Eating Right for Chronic Kidney Disease Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  Phosphorus Fact Sheet Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF] Potassium Fact Sheet Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF] Protein Fact Sheet Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF] Sodium Fact Sheet Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  [PDF]	Helpful tools and handouts to get quick tips for eating right for kidney health, reading food labels, and nutrients and minerals that make a difference when managing chronic kidney disease. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

For Clinicians and Diabetes Educators

Increase knowledge about kidney disease and CKD prevention. Several resources and trainings for clinicians and educators are available from the listed websites.

• Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention
  • Diabetes Education Lesson Plans – Kidney Health [PDF – 604 KB]
  • Diabetes Standards of Care and Resources for Clinicians and Educators – Kidney Care
  • Diabetes Treatment Algorithms: Chronic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes
• CKD Training Programs for Dietitians, Educators, Pharmacists, and Providers

  The care of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents many challenges. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease has developed a number of educational resources to enhance knowledge and skills of health care team members. Courses are free, and CME credit may be available through partner organizations.

  Available Professional and Continuing Education Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov  online training includes the following courses:

  • Counseling Patients on NSAID Use to Prevent Kidney Injury
  • Helping Diabetes Educators Care for Patients With Kidney Disease
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Management Training Program
  • Chronic Kidney Disease Management for Pharmacists
• Additional CKD Resources
  • National Kidney Foundation Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov 
  • Kidney School™ Exit Disclaimer: You Are Leaving www.ihs.gov