Image of a young girl holding a paintbrush while her mother looks on

Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness

African Americans are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). About 37 million American adults have CKD and most don’t even know it. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications from kidney disease. Understanding more about CKD—what is it, what the risk factors are, how the disease progresses, and how to find out if you have CKD—will help you protect your kidney health.

Healthy & Unhealthy Kidneys

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

CKD is a condition in which your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood as well as they should.

Are You At Risk for Chronic Kidney Disease?

About 33% of adults in the United States are at risk for CKD. Access the Kidney Disease Risk Calculator to find out if you’re in the 33%.

Risk Calculator

Black background with white text that says "33% of adults in the U.S. are at risk for kidney disease"

Risk Calculator

What Are the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease can range from mild to very severe. The 5 Stages of CKD describe the severity.

Five kidneys in various stages of chronic kidney disease. As kidney disease progresses from Stage 1 to Stage 5, the kidneys lose function and get smaller.

How Can I Find Out If I Have Chronic Kidney Disease?

About 1 in 7 adults in the United States are estimated to have CKD and most are undiagnosed. Talk with your healthcare provider about getting simple blood and urine lab tests.

Black nurse runs a test on a urine sample

Chronic Kidney Disease Fact Check

Take this short quiz to find out how much you know about CKD

1. The 2 leading causes of CKD are

a. High blood pressure and glaucoma

b. High blood pressure and diabetes

c. Diabetes and stroke

d. Diabetes and kidney stones

2. Stage 5 CKD is

a. Kidney failure

b. Kidney function of less than 15%

c. GFR of less than 15

d. All of the above

3. Drugs that can damage the kidneys include

a. Antihistamines

b. Pain killers

c. Illegal drugs, such as heroin

d. Both b and c

4. Diabetes is a major risk factor for CKD. Diabetes happens when

a. The body doesn’t make enough insulin

b. The body makes a normal amount of insulin but the body doesn’t use it effectively

c The sugar in the blood is too high

d. All of the above

5. Many people are not aware they have CKD until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.

True or False?