When people are healthy, they might not think about their kidneys and all that they do to maintain balance in their bodies. However, when people are struggling with diabetes one’s kidneys can become a point of concern. Kidneys play an important role in our bodies. Read on to learn more about why kidneys play a critical role in the human body, what are risk factors for kidney disease, and how to prevent kidney disease.
Healthy Tip Tuesday is brought to you in partnership with Trinity Health Systems.
The kidneys remove wastes, extra fluid, and acids to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals. In addition, kidneys produce hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep our bones healthy.
Conditions such as hypertension or elevated blood sugar can be harmful to the kidneys over time. Kidney disease is often called the silent killer since it can be asymptomatic at first. As kidney disease progresses, harmful electrolytes and waste start to build up. Kidney disease can be detected by routine blood and urinalysis tests.
It’s imperative that people get checked if they are at high risk:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart (cardiovascular) disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history of kidney disease
- Abnormal kidney structure
- Older age
- Frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys
Fortunately, kidneys disease can be controlled or managed if it is detected early enough. Medications and behavioral changes can delay or prevent complications.
- Following a low sodium diet
- Being physically active
- Smoking cessation
- Managing blood sugar
- Maintaining or reducing weight
- Yearly physicals
