DOH urges New Yorkers to take steps to prevent chronic kidney disease

As March is National Kidney Month, the New York State Department of Health is urging New Yorkers to prevent Chronic Kidney Disease by taking commonsense measures to maintain kidney health. The kidneys are two vital bean-shaped organs located in your lower back that work to clean the blood by removing waste and excess fluid from the body, while also regulating blood pressure and controlling the production of red blood cells, among other things.

In New York State, 30% of adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and more than 10% with diabetes, the most frequent conditions causing Chronic Kidney Disease.

“As diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common conditions that lead to Chronic Kidney Disease, people with these conditions should be aware of their risk because there are simple steps that can be taken to slow its progression,” Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James Mcdonald said. “That’s why I encourage all New Yorkers with high blood pressure or diabetes to talk to their health care provider about testing for kidney disease.”

In the United States, one in every seven adults suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease. Chronic Kidney Disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 90% do not know they have chronic kidney disease. Those who are Black or Brown have a higher risk of developing kidney disease. Although Black individuals make up approximately 13% of the population, they account for 35% of kidney failure cases in the country, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Chronic Kidney Disease develops when kidneys lose their ability to remove waste products and maintain fluid and chemical balances in the body. The severity depends on how well the kidneys can filter blood waste. When detected early, risk-reducing measures including positive lifestyle changes, can prevent the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease and prolong kidney function.