Did You Know?
Protein In The Urine Is One Of The Signs Of Kidney Disease

Nephrology is a sub-specialty of internal medicine concerned with the diagnoses, treatment and management of kidney functions and renal (kidney) replacement therapy such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. Nephrologists treat systemic conditions affecting kidneys such as diabetes and autoimmune disease, as well as hypertension (high blood pressure) and electrolyte disturbances.Nephrologists are experts in kidney care. Their training includes completion of medical school followed by a residency in internal medicine and additional specialty training in nephrology.
Their critical functions are to cleanse blood, to maintain a stable balance of salt and minerals, and to help regulate blood pressure. This is done through the filtering and removal of waste products and excess fluid through the urine.
Kidneys do the following:
There are two kidneys, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the waist in the middle of your back, on either side of the spine.
Patients are referred for many reasons:
What Causes CKD?
The two most leading common causes are :
Diabetes (Types 1 & 2)
Waste products produced in the blood are filtered out through the kidneys, leaving the body as urine. Useful substances such as proteins and red blood cells stay in the body, as they are too large to pass through the millions of tiny capillaries in the kidney’s filtering system. With high levels of blood sugar, as in diabetes, the small blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged and can no longer clean the blood properly. Over a period of time:
Keeping tight control of your blood glucose and blood pressure are critical. Follow your provider’s recommendations on medications and diet. Have regular checkups to monitor your diabetes. Kidney disease cannot be reversed, but it can be controlled.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Other Causes Include:
When abnormal kidney function persists for three months or longer, chronic kidney disease occurs. This affects your kidneys ability to keep you healthy.
What are the Symptoms of CKD?
Who is most at risk?
3 Simple Tests can detect CKD
3 tests to detect kidney problems are:
Stages Of CKD
Stages OF CKD
Stage 1
Onset CKD : GFR: 90+
Description : Normal kidney function, but tests show early signs of kidney damage. Usually no symptoms of kidney damage.
Stage 2
Mild CKD : GFR: 60-89
Description: Mildly reduced kidney function. Some signs of kidney damage.
Stage 3
Moderate CKD : GFR: 30-59
Description : Moderately reduced kidney function. Beginning of moderate physical changes. Get evaluated by a nephrologist.
Stage 4
Advanced CKD : GFR: 15-29
Description : Severely reduced kidney function.
Stage 5
End Stage CKD GFR: Less than 15
Description : Need dialysis or kidney transplant