When I was diagnosed with third stage Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and informed that the CKD was caused by a combination of my previously diagnosed diabetes and hypertension conditions, I was stunned! I was still dealing with the medication and lifestyle changes required for diabetes and high blood pressure and had no idea that these conditions would likely lead to even more serious medical problems such as CKD.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent yet serious health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Many don’t even realize they have it until it reaches an advanced stage. Your kidneys work tirelessly to filter waste, balance electrolytes, and regulate blood pressure—so when they start to fail, the impact can be life-changing. Understanding the most common causes of CKD can help you take proactive steps to keep your kidneys healthy.
Black Kidney Health Matters
33% of American adults are at risk for kidney disease (yes, one in three people), and if you are Black or African American, you are more than 3 times as likely to have kidney failure compared to White Americans. This is largely driven by economic, structural, and social determinants of health that have unfairly impacted Black Americans, and as a result, Black populations have much higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and heart disease… all of which increases the risk for kidney disease.
In addition, the way in which kidney disease was traditionally diagnosed underestimated the presence and/or severity of disease in Black or African American people delaying important interventions to preserve kidney function.
Let’s dive into the top three culprits behind CKD.
- Diabetes (Type 1 & Type 2)
Diabetes is the leading cause of CKD. High blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste properly. Over time, this damage leads kidney failure, a condition known as diabetic nephropathy. Managing your blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication (if needed) can significantly reduce your risk of CKD.
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Your kidneys are packed with tiny blood vessels that filter waste from your blood. When your blood pressure is consistently high, these vessels get strained and damaged. As a result, your kidneys can’t function efficiently, leading to CKD. The good news? Controlling your blood pressure through lifestyle changes—like eating less salt, exercising, and managing stress—can help protect your kidneys.
- Prolonged Use of Pain Medications
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen may seem harmless, but long-term use can harm your kidneys. These medications reduce blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage over time. If you rely on painkillers regularly, consider talking to your doctor about safer alternatives or lifestyle changes to manage pain without putting your kidneys at risk.
Key Takeaway:
Trust me, you want to avoid my lived experience with CKD, end stage renal disease, kidney failure and dialysis. Chronic Kidney Disease is often preventable if you manage underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure while being mindful of medication use. Your kidneys play a crucial role in your overall health, so take care of them by making smart lifestyle choices, staying hydrated, and seeing your doctor regularly for checkups. Your future self will thank you!
Trusted Resources
National Kidney Foundation: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms and Causes https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd
Mayo Clinic: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms and Causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521
