The Eastern Regional Kidney Foundation
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CKD Definitions & Descriptions...
...learn the tune...
The following define or describe terms as they relate to kidney disease used in this 'musical score'...
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Diabetes:
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May cause damage to many organs including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, nerves and eyes.
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A urine protein (micro albumin) is one of the earliest findings of diabetic related kidney damage.
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To modify the risk of developing kidney disease, diabetics can:
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test sugars regularly and keep blood sugar levels controlled
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eat healthy
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exercise daily
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keep blood pressure controlled to at least 140/90 though some recommend less than 130/80
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restrict salt in diet
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quit smoking
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keep lipids (fats) under control
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Have urine and blood tests done at least once per year to monitor kidney function.
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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE & WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT.
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Hypertension (high blood pressure):
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Is a leading cause not only of kidney failure, but also of stroke.
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Causes damage to both large and small blood vessels.
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Damages the glomeruli (kidney filters) and impairs the filtration of the blood. If uncontrolled, this may ultimately cause the kidneys to fail.
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To help slow or halt the progression of kidney disease:
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monitor home blood pressure keeping it under control (less than 140/90)
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restrict salt intake
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eat healthy
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exercise daily
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lose weight if necessary
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restrict alcohol use
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quit smoking
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take blood pressure medication as prescribed
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Have urine and blood tests done at least once per year to monitor kidney function.
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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE & WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT.
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Anemia:
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A condition in which the number of RBCs (red blood cells) is reduced below normal.
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Its causes are many. CKD is one of them.
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Kidneys produce a hormone (chemical) called erythropoietin (EPO for short) which signals the body (specifically the bone marrow) to produce RBCs.
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As kidneys fail, EPO production is reduced and finally stops - anemia results.
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What can be done?
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EPO injections are available to counteract the anemia. (It is vital that iron levels be kept normal for EPO to work properly.)
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Your doctor will know when and if any action should be taken by periodically monitoring your blood count.
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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE & WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT.
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(Renal) Bone Disease:
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Normal kidneys function to keep bones healthy.
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Kidney disease causes the structure of bone to deteriorate.
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Several factors are involved:
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Vitamin D activation is impaired.
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Calcium in the diet cannot be absorbed properly.
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A compoud called Phosphorus begins to increase.
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A coordinating hormone called PTH (parathyroid hormone) becomes overactive.
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A complex cascade of events associated with balancing and regulating these important substances of healthy bones is inturrupted.
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Careful monitoring of the levels of these substances is crucial in protecting bone health.
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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE & WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT.