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THE BASICS »

Stages of chronic kidney disease

There are five stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and they are determined by using guidelines from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). In order to measure how well kidneys are cleaning the blood, doctors use a measure called glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This is an overview of the stages of chronic kidney disease and how each stage determines the kind of treatment you need as kidney function decreases.

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TREATMENTS »

What to expect at your first nephrologist visit

If you are having problems with your kidneys, you may be referred to a kidney doctor known as a nephrologist. A nephrologist has been trained in general internal medicine and specializes in disorders of the kidneys. Learn what you can expect on your first visit with a nephrologist.

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SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS »

Childhood nephrotic syndrome

If your child is urinating less frequently and experiencing swelling in the hands, feet or abdomen, you should have your doctor check your child for nephrotic syndrome. The treatment for childhood nephrotic syndrome will depend on the underlying cause, but most cases do not lead to permanent kidney damage. Learn more about childhood nephrotic syndrome.

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PREVENTION »

Leading cause of kidney disease is diabetes

People with diabetes are at risk for kidney disease. High blood sugar or glucose levels build up in the bloodstream. If uncontrolled, this can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Over time, diabetes damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. Find out how to help prevent diabetes from leading to kidney disease.

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DIET & NUTRITION »

What a renal dietitian can do for a person with kidney disease

Dialysis patients are assigned a renal dietitian to help them eat properly. However, people with kidney disease who are not on dialysis can also benefit from a dietitian’s expertise. Learn what a renal dietitian can do if you have kidney disease and why you may need one to help you learn about and manage a kidney diet.

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