Are You Aware Archive

An appropriate intake of sodium and potassium is necessary for maintaining optimal health. Among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), excess intake of sodium and low intake of potassium may worsen health outcomes. National survey data show that recommended sodium consumption (less than 2,300 mg/day) was more common among adults with CKD than adults without CKD. However, the percentage of adults with CKD meeting sodium intake recommendations declined from 2005–2008 (38.4%) to March of 2017 (32.8%). The recommended minimum potassium intake for the general population is at least 3,400 mg/day for men and 2,600 mg/day for women. Fewer adults with CKD met the recommended potassium intake (29%) than adults without CKD (35%), without significant changes over time. These data suggest that about two-thirds of the U.S. adult population do not meet recommended daily sodium and potassium intake. Dietary monitoring and counseling are important aspects of CKD management to prevent complications (e.g., hypertension, hyper- or hypokalemia).

Over 35 million adults, i.e., 1 in 7 adults, in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, 9 in 10 adults with CKD do not know they have it. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–March 2020) show a lower awareness among adults with earlier stages of CKD while the higher awareness was among those with later stages of CKD. Awareness was defined as a self-reported affirmative response to the question “Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had weak or failing kidneys?” While earlier stage CKD is more prevalent than advanced stages, low screening rates particularly for albuminuria may contribute to the low awareness of disease. This gap may need to be addressed to ensure adults with earlier stages of CKD are diagnosed earlier and receive timely treatment to prevent disease progression and its associated complications.

Adults with no health insurance are more likely to delay or forgo care due to costs, including preventive care and services for acute and chronic illnesses. Since the implementation of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the percentage of adults lacking health insurance has declined.

As kidney disease progresses, patients require referral to a nephrologist for co-managed care, establishment of a diagnosis, slowing progression, and/or managing complications of the disease.

Maintaining moderate-intensity physical activities may provide many benefits in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, including slower decline in kidney function, better physical function, reduced cardiovascular risk, and improved quality of life.

Food insecurity is a socioeconomic situation at the household level where there is limited or uncertain access to adequate food for a healthy lifestyle.

Collecting information about the geographic distribution of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States is a core function of CDC’s Kidney Disease Surveillance System.

Poverty is a major social determinant of health that is closely linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD). People who live in low-income neighborhoods face challenges that may contribute to the development and progression of CKD ...

According to CDC, more than 1 in 7, an estimated 37 million US adults, have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and as many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD do not know they have it.

In the United States, 96 million individuals (38% of adults) are affected by prediabetes, which is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.