Chronic kidney disease, a condition in which the kidneys gradually become damaged and lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the body, affects an estimated 26 million Americans. Millions of others are at increased risk of developing the condition, including people who have diabetes. In honor of National Kidney Disease Awareness Month, we’d like to tell you about some resources that can help you to keep your kidneys healthy or to cope if you have been diagnosed with kidney disease.
The Web site of the National Kidney Disease Education Program, an initiative of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), includes facts about risk factors for kidney disease, basics on diet and lifestyle changes for people living with kidney disease, and details on screening tests. The site also includes information on medicines used to treat kidney disease, frequently asked questions, and advice for working with your health-care provider. Information is also available in Spanish.
The National Kidney Foundation’s Web site includes facts about kidney disease, information about dialysis and transplantation, and details on kidney disease and diabetes. There is also information about fund-raising kidney walks taking place around the country, a sign-up for kidney newsletters, and a chance to submit kidney questions to a doctor. Message boards are available for people living with various kidney conditions, and information is accessible in Spanish.
The Web site of the American Association of Kidney Patients provides information on a variety of topics related to kidney disease, including intimacy issues, Medicare, disaster preparedness, travel, and emotional health. Brochures are available on various aspects of kidney health, and a Spanish-language version of the site is available by clicking the “En Espanol” button while viewing the section of the site you wish to read.
On DiabetesSelfManagement.com, the article “Protecting Your Kidneys” discusses screening tests for kidney disease, the stages of kidney disease, and how the condition can be prevented and treated in people with diabetes.
This blog entry was written by Web Editor Diane Fennell.
