Patient Education: How do you lower your risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

LAS VEGAS, NV - JANUARY 07: Dan Radin displays the USB Blood Pressure Monitor from Ion Health at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 7, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The USD 70 device measures systolic and diastolic pressure and pulse rates and has an internal memory capable of holding up to 352 readings. The data can be uploaded via USB 2.0 to a computer where it can be used with Ion Health Suite software. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology tradeshow, runs through January 9 and is expected to feature 2,700 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 126,000 attendees. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

If you have diabetes and hypertension then you are at higher than average risk for chronic kidney disease. You should be aware of this and be very involved with your treatment, you must help your doctor to care for you!!.

Ask pertinent questions such as.

Q: Have you checked my kidneys? if so how are they doing.

Q: Is my Blood sugar within the normal range or at a range that reduces my risk of kidney disease developing?

Q:Is my Blood Pressure in the normal range. If not what can we do to make it so as that will reduce my chances of developing chronic kidney disease.

Q:My relative had kidney disease I am worried about developing it is there anything i can do to find out if i am at risk?

It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle exercise at least three times per week and eat a healthy balanced diet.

It is important to understand certain concepts.

SEELOW, BRANDENBURG - AUGUST 08: Country doctor Dieter Baermann measures the blood sugar level of an elderly patient in the patient's home on August 8, 2011 in Sachsendorf near Seelow, Germany. Baermann works in the state of Brandenburg in eastern Germany, a region that is struggling with a shortage of doctors in rural areas. Critics charge that current laws actually discourage doctors from taking up posts in rural areas, and the German government is debating a new law intended to reverse the trend. Many doctors across Germany complain about a legal system that they claim burdens them with too many costs and hampers their ability to provide the best care. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

Normal blood pressure is an arbitrary definition set at less than 120/80 mmHg. However large studies have shown that if blood pressure is lowered even further to just before the point of having symptoms of low blood pressure such as dizzyness and fainting then health benefits continue to accrue and your risk of stroke heart attack and chronic kidney disease improves.

When checking your blood sugar one of the most informative tests is a test of average blood sugar over the last 3 to 4 months. This is called the HbA1c or glycosylated Hb. For every point below 7 that this test registers you accrue benefits such as decreased heart attack and stroke and also decreased chronic kidney disease.

Having increased protein in your urine is not ok particularly if this is a recurrent problem. This could be a sign of early kidney disease. The earlier your disease the lower the protein is usually. Tests of microscopic amounts of protein in the urine can now be performed that detects very early kidney disease. Ask about the urine microalbuminuria test.

If you are male and above 45 having your regular prostate exam may reveal early enlargement which may obstruct outflow of the kidney. If early enough it is reversible and can prevent chronic kidney disease.

Infections of the bladder occur more frequently in women that men. Recurrent infections should never be treated as business as usual. A cause should be sought and if found may reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease from infection.

Males regardless of age should never have urinary tract infection this is never to be treated as business as usual or simply treated with a course of antibiotics. Referral to a specialist in urology and a detailed work up needs to be done to identify the cause so that it can be corrected before kidney damage occurs.