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.
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 |
|---|---|
| At Risk for Kidney Disease? | YouTube video that describes risk factors for kidney disease and what a person can do to keep kidneys healthy. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases |
| Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 [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 |
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 | 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 | 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
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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.
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 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
