1. Kidneys are important because they:

Filter blood

Keep the right amount of fluids in the body

Help make red blood cells

Help keep blood pressure under control

2. Risk factors for kidney disease include:

Diabetes

High blood pressure

Being 60 years or older

Having a family member with kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure

Being African American/Black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or Alaska Native

3. Over time, kidney disease can:

Get worse

Lead to kidney failure

Cause heart and blood vessel disease

Cause other health problems

4. People with risk factors should get tested regularly because:

In the early stages of kidney disease, most people don’t have symptoms

Kidney disease can be treated

5. Tests to find kidney disease include:

A simple urine test called ACR (albumin-to-creatinine ratio). Having protein in the urine is a sign of kidney disease.

A simple blood test to estimate your GFR (glomerular filtration rate). GFR is the best way to tell how well your kidneys are working.

6. Some ways to protect kidneys are:

Keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control

Lose weight, if needed

Eat healthy meals

Take all medicines as prescribed

Get regular exercise

Don’t smoke

Limit alcohol

Avoid some over-the-counter medicines (such as aspirin, naxoproxin, or ibuprofen) because they can harm kidneys