Day 1: Subtle signs your kidneys might be calling for help

Learn to spot early warning signs of kidney disease and take action.

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DAY 1 OF 3 Welcome to our 3-day series on preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Today, we'll focus on the early signs and symptoms of kidney disease, because early detection is crucial for managing kidney health effectively. CKD affects about 35.5 million people in the United States — that's around 14% of the population. As many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD don't know they have it. This is because CKD often progresses silently, especially in its early stages. African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American people have a higher risk of developing CKD. Understanding CKD stages CKD progresses through five stages based on how well the kidneys can filter waste from the blood. This is measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR): • Stage 1: Normal kidney function but with signs of kidney damage • Stage 2: Mild loss of kidney function • Stage 3: Moderate loss of kidney function • Stage 4: Severe loss of kidney function • Stage 5: Kidney failure You might not notice any symptoms in the early stages (1–3). That's why regular check-ups are crucial, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, which are the leading risk factors for CKD. The diabetes-CKD connection Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, responsible for about 44% of new cases. Here's why: • High blood sugar impact: Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste. • Silent progression: Like CKD, diabetes can progress silently. Many people have diabetes for years before being diagnosed, during which time kidney damage may already be occurring. Regular kidney function tests are crucial if you have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual kidney function tests for all people with type 2 diabetes, and for those who've had type 1 diabetes for 5 years or more. Remember, early detection and management of both diabetes and kidney disease can significantly improve outcomes. Early signs and symptoms to watch for To help you remember these important signs and symptoms, we've created a visual guide. Consider saving it or printing it out as a reminder. While early-stage CKD often has no symptoms, some signs may start to appear as the condition progresses. For those with diabetes, these signs may appear earlier or be more pronounced. Later symptoms of CKD In later stages, these symptoms may become more noticeable: • shortness of breath • chest pain or pressure • unintentional weight loss • sleep problems • muscle twitches and cramps When to see a doctor Contact a healthcare professional if you experience persistent or worrying symptoms, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. Symptoms that warrant immediate attention include: • severe, persistent lower back pain • blood in the urine • sudden swelling in the legs, feet, ankles, hands or face • difficulty urinating SCHEDULE A KIDNEY HEALTH CHECK-UP Tomorrow, we'll explore the role of nutrition in kidney health and how dietary choices can support your kidneys. Until then, stay kidney conscious and prioritize your health! Want to keep learning?   Where Are Your Kidneys and What Do They Actually Do READ ON   What Color Is Your Urine When Your Kidneys Are Failing? READ ON   What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure? READ ON Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon! View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy   |   Unsubscribe We may feature your messages to our inbox within our content. Please do not provide any personal identifiable information. Replies may be edited for length and clarity. For more, see our Privacy Policy. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health. © 2025 RVO Health 1101 Red Ventures Drive Fort Mill, SC 29707