Every March, National Kidney Month serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of kidney health and the profound impact of kidney disease on millions of lives. With 37 million Americans affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) and over 850 million people worldwide living with some form of kidney dysfunction, spreading awareness about prevention, early detection, and treatment options is vital.* 

The Growing Burden of Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a significant public health concern, affecting nearly 1 in 7 U.S. adults, with 90% of those affected unaware of their condition. Globally, kidney disease ranks among the leading causes of death, often remaining undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced stage. Contributing factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and aging populations are driving the rise in kidney disease rates, making early detection more critical than ever.

Certain populations, including African American, Hispanic, and Indigenous people, face a higher risk due to genetic predispositions and systemic healthcare disparities. Addressing these inequalities through increased access to healthcare, widespread education, and routine screenings can help reduce the burden of kidney disease and improve outcomes for at-risk groups.

The Life-Saving Power of Early Detection

One of the most effective ways to slow kidney disease progression is through early detection. CKD often develops silently, presenting no obvious symptoms in its early stages. For those with risk factors—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease—regular screening tests, including blood and urine tests, are essential.

By identifying kidney disease early, individuals can adopt lifestyle modifications and medical treatments to preserve kidney function. Steps such as maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, managing chronic conditions, and adhering to prescribed medications can help delay complications, including kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and the need for dialysis or transplantation.

Treatment Options and Emerging Advances

Treatment strategies for kidney disease vary depending on its cause, stage, and severity. Common treatment approaches include:

• Medications. Blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs), diuretics, and phosphate binders can slow disease progression and manage symptoms.
• Dialysis. When kidney function declines significantly, dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) helps remove waste and excess fluids from the body.
• Kidney transplantation. For those with end-stage kidney disease, a transplant often provides a better quality of life than long-term dialysis.

Ongoing research is also leading to groundbreaking treatments, such as SGLT2 inhibitors (which show promise in slowing CKD progression), gene therapy for genetic kidney diseases, bioengineered kidneys, and precision medicine tailored to individual patients.

How You Can Make a Difference

National Kidney Month is an opportunity for individuals and communities to raise awareness and contribute to meaningful change. You can:

• Participate in fundraising events and awareness campaigns.
• Share educational resources on social media.
• Advocate for better healthcare policies and increased funding for kidney disease research.
• Encourage routine screenings among family and friends.
• Consider organ donation as a living donor or by registering for posthumous donation.

By taking even small steps to promote kidney health and awareness, we can work together to improve the lives of millions affected by kidney disease. National Kidney Month is a powerful call to action that can lead to life-saving changes and a healthier future for all.

*Responsum Health. (2025, March 3). Kidney Health Matters: Here’s How—and Why—to Protect Yours. https://responsumhealth.com/blog/national-kidney-month-march-2025/  

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