Kidney Disease
KEEP Health Screenings
The NKF Serving Connecticut offers free Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) designed to test those who may be at risk for kidney failure throughout the year at various locations. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two main causes of kidney failure. Participants are screened for both of these concerns and trained medical professionals offer blood tests and urinalysis to determine the person's level of protein and serum creatinine (an important measure of kidney function). Results are confidential and consultations with a physician are available on site. Visit our Calendar of Events to find a KEEP screening near you.
The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- 26 million Americans - 1 in 8 US adults - have CKD and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
- Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
- Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
- Persistent proteinuria means CKD.
- High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
- African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and Seniors are at increased risk.
- Three simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine and serum creatinine.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic kidney disease includes conditions that damage your kidneys and decrease their ability to keep you healthy by doing the jobs listed. If kidney disease gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick. You may develop complications like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood count), weak bones, poor nutritional health and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. These problems may happen slowly over a long period of time. Chronic kidney disease may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure and other disorders. Early detection and treatment can often keep chronic kidney disease from getting worse. When kidney disease progresses, it may eventually lead to kidney failure, which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. 
