Risk factors for age-related kidney disease

Some conditions that affect the kidneys are more common as people get older.

You are more at risk of developing kidney disease if you:

● Are over 60 years of age

● Have diabetes

● Are obese

● Have high blood pressure

● Have established heart problems (heart failure or past heart attack) or have had a stroke

● Are a smoker

● Have a family history of kidney failure

● Have a history of acute kidney injury There are a number of things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy, including:

● If you have diabetes, make sure that your blood sugar control is excellent.

Follow your doctor’s advice about insulin injections, medicines, diet, physical activity and monitoring your blood sugar.

● Control high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Drugs used to lower blood pressure (anti-hypertensive drugs), such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin blockers, can slow the development of kidney disease.

● If you have one of the risk factors for kidney disease, have a kidney health check (blood test, urine test and blood pressure check) at least every year (more frequent if you have diabetes or high blood pressure). ●

Treat urinary tract infections immediately. ●

Control blood cholesterol levels with diet and medications if necessary.

● Drink adequate water and choose foods that are low in sugar, fat and salt, but high in fibre. Stick to moderate serving sizes.

● Do not smoke.

● Drink alcohol in moderation.

● Stay at a healthy weight for your height and age.

● Try to exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes a day.