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To help reduce your risk of ESRD, follow these guidelines:
Lower High Blood Pressure
Maintaining a normal blood pressure may prevent kidney failure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. If you have high blood pressure , take your blood pressure medications as ordered by your doctor and follow up regularly.
Keep Blood Sugars Under Control
Maintaining blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible helps to prevent kidney disease. Have your blood sugar checked regularly if you are at risk for diabetes . If you have diabetes, follow the medication, diet, and exercise plan recommended by your doctor.
Lower High Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Lowering both cholesterol and triglyceride levels to the normal range can slow the progression of renal failure. The statin drugs are commonly used for this purpose.
Aggressive Treatment of Proteinuria
Aggressive treatment of proteinuria (leakage of protein in the urine) with drugs, such as ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers, has been effective in slowing the deterioration of renal function in chronic renal failure patients.
Do Not Abuse Medications or Illegal Drugs
Overuse of over-the-counter pain medication and illegal drugs can damage the kidneys. Take medications only as directed.
References:
Brenner, BM et al. Brenner & Rector’s The Kidney. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2011.
Ferri, Fred, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2010. 1st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier, 2009.
Goldman L, Ausiello D., eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2008.
National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ .
National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: http://www.kidney.org/ .
Rakel, R. Textbook of Family Medicine 2007. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.
Rakel, RE, Bope, ET Conn's Current Therapy. 60th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier, 2009.
Wein, AJ et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology.9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, 2007.
Yu HT. Progression of chronic renal failure. Arch Int Med. 2003;163:1417-1429
Last reviewed October 2012 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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