How to prevent chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease may sometimes be prevented by controlling the other diseases or factors that can contribute to kidney disease. Since chronic kidney disease is often caused by high blood pressure and diabetes, keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar levels near normal can help prevent damage to your kidneys.

The sooner you change factors that damage your kidneys, the better. Controlling the following factors may slow the progression of kidney damage in a person who has chronic kidney disease. People who have already developed kidney failure also need to focus on these things to prevent the complications of kidney failure.

1) Keep your blood pressure below 130/80. Learn to check your blood pressure at home.
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar as close to normal as possible. Your doctor will want you to check your blood sugar several times each day.

2) Maintain a healthy weight. This can help you prevent other diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Maintain healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as cholesterol and triglycerides.

3) Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking can lead to atherosclerosis, which reduces blood flow to the kidneys and increases blood pressure.