October is Health Literacy Month, a reminder of how important it is to understand the medical information that guides your care. For people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), this can feel especially challenging. Doctors often discuss test results and treatments using terms like eGFR, albuminuria, or renal replacement therapy, language that can be confusing when you’re just trying to manage your health.

Why Health Literacy Matters in CKD

Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information to make decisions that work for you. With CKD, health literacy is critical for following treatment plans, managing medications, and preparing for long-term care needs.

Without strong health literacy, patients may:

• Misunderstand lab results like eGFR or creatinine
• Miss medication instructions (for example, blood pressure or phosphate binders)
• Delay lifestyle changes that can protect kidney function
• Struggle to prepare for dialysis or transplant discussions

With stronger health literacy, you can:

• Ask better questions about slowing CKD progression
• Understand the role of diet, blood pressure control, and medication
• Follow nephrology instructions more accurately
• Make informed decisions about future treatment options

Breaking Down Common CKD Jargon

Kidney disease care comes with a lot of lab-based and technical language. Knowing what these words mean can help you take a more active role in your care.

Common CKD terms explained:

• eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) → A number that shows how well your kidneys are filtering blood.
• Creatinine → A waste product measured in your blood; high levels can signal reduced kidney function.
• Albuminuria (or proteinuria) → Protein in your urine, which may be an early sign of kidney damage.
• Renal → Referring to the kidneys.
• Dialysis → A treatment that filters your blood when your kidneys can’t.
• Transplant → Surgery to replace a failed kidney with a healthy one.
• Anemia → A shortage of red blood cells, common in advanced CKD.
• Comorbidities → Other conditions that often appear with CKD, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Learning these terms helps you understand test results and what they mean for your health.

Preparing for Your Kidney Care Appointments

Nephrology visits can feel overwhelming, especially when test results and treatment plans are discussed quickly. Preparing ahead of time helps you take control.

How to prepare for a CKD appointment:

• Write down questions about labs (e.g., “How is my eGFR trending?” or “What does my protein level mean?”) 
• Note new symptoms like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination.
• Bring a list of all medications and supplements, even over-the-counter drugs, since some may harm kidney function.
• Ask if you can get written instructions or patient handouts about your treatment plan.

Communicating Clearly With Your Care Team

CKD is complex and requires close coordination with your healthcare team. Clear communication can make a big difference.

• Ask for plain language: “Can you explain what my lab results mean in everyday words?”
• Use teach-back: Repeat instructions back to confirm your understanding.  “So, I should limit my salt intake to this amount and take this blood pressure medicine once daily, correct?”
• Bring someone you trust: A caregiver or family member can take notes and provide support.
• Ask about next steps: Don’t hesitate to ask about treatment timelines, diet changes, or referrals to a dietitian.

Choosing Reliable Information About CKD

Searching online can bring confusing or conflicting information. Stick with trusted, evidence-based sources:

• The Responsum for CKD Community
• National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
• MedlinePlus – Kidney Disease

These organizations provide patient-friendly education, and The Responsum for CKD Community offers an extra layer of support by connecting you with people who understand what you’re going through.

Taking Charge of Your CKD Care

Health literacy isn’t about memorizing medical textbooks. It’s about building the confidence to take part in your care. With a stronger understanding of CKD, you can:

• Follow your medication and diet plan more effectively
• Recognize when it’s time to call your doctor
• Understand the risks and benefits of dialysis or transplant options
• Protect your kidney function for as long as possible 

This Health Literacy Month, commit to one small step: write down your next set of questions, ask your doctor to explain your eGFR trend, or connect with a trusted resource like The Responsum for CKD Community.

Because when it comes to protecting your kidney health, understanding truly matters.

To ensure that we always provide you with high-quality, reliable information, Responsum Health closely vets all sources. We do not, however, endorse or recommend any specific providers, treatments, or products, and the use of a given source does not imply an endorsement of any provider, treatment, medication, procedure, or device discussed within.