March 04, 2025
Take charge of your kidney health this National Kidney Month. Learn what questions to ask your doctor to better understand your kidneys and make informed decisions about your future.
At Risk of Kidney Disease
Around 90% of people with kidney disease—9 in 10 adults—don’t know they have it. Why? Kidney disease often has no symptoms until its later stages. Many people are also unaware of their risk factors and don’t know when to get tested.
Are You at Risk?
The best way to prevent an unexpected diagnosis is to manage your risk factors and get regular health checkups.
Common risk factors include:
- Family history of kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Having Obesity
- Age (60 and older)
Are you at risk of kidney disease? Take our one-minute quiz to find out. Bring your results the next time you see your doctor.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- Do I have risk factors for kidney disease?
- How can these factors impact my kidney health?
- What tests will help me monitor my kidney function?
- What are the early warning signs of kidney disease?
- How often should I have my kidneys checked?
- How can I lower my risk?
- What lifestyle changes will help protect my kidneys?
- Should I see a nephrologist (kidney doctor)?
- Can my prescribed or over-the-counter medications affect my kidneys?
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Kidney Disease Stages 1-3
You might not feel sick in the early stages of kidney disease. That doesn’t mean it isn’t getting worse. The good news? Small changes now can help protect your kidneys from more damage.
Steps to Protect Your Kidneys
- Eat a balanced, kidney-friendly diet
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
- Manage risk factors
- Take medications as prescribed
- Schedule regular kidney checkups
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is my eGFR, and what stage of kidney disease does that put me in?
- How can I prevent further kidney damage?
- What changes should I make to my diet?
- How can I better manage my risk factors?
- What symptoms should I watch for?
- Are there any medications I should avoid or take less of?
- Should I limit protein, sodium, or potassium in my diet?
- Would working with a kidney dietitian benefit me?
- Am I at risk for other health complications?
Kidney Disease Stages 4-5
At this stage, your kidney function is very low. Understanding your treatment options is key to maintaining the best quality of life possible.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What are my dialysis treatment options? Am I a good candidate for home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis?
- How do I start the process for a kidney transplant?
- How will my kidney function be monitored going forward?
- What dietary restrictions should I follow?
- What symptoms should I report immediately?
- What resources are available for me and my family?
- How will kidney disease impact my other health conditions?
- Are there any other lifestyle changes that may improve my quality of life?
Take Charge of Your Kidney Health
You don’t have to navigate kidney disease alone—NKF is here to help.
- NKF CARES: Speak with a trained professional toll-free at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273) or email nkfcares@kidney.org.
- Kidney Learning Center: Find free online courses on kidney health, dialysis, kidney transplant, and more.
- NKF Peers: Get matched with a trained peer mentor who has experience living well with kidney disease.
- NKF Communities: Join an anonymous kidney forum to connect with other patients and care partners.
