Search the A to Z Guide

Your kidneys work 24/7 to keep the body healthy by filtering out toxins and extra fluid and regulating blood pressure. Damage to these vital organs could be irreversible, yet so many are unaware of what might be harmful. During March, National Kidney Month, the National Kidney Foundation offers...

What is HIV? HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that infects and damages your immune system. Your immune system helps your body defend itself against infection and other disease. HIV attacks and destroys the disease-fighting cells of your immune system and leaves your body weak against...

It’s important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, especially if you have kidney disease, kidney failure, or a transplant.  There are several vaccines that you need.  One important vaccine that you may not know about is the vaccine for pneumococcal disease.    What...

By Laura Byham-Gray, PhD, RD, CNSD Diabetes and the Kidney Keeping in good blood glucose control is important for lowering your risk for health complications. Glucose, often described as sugar, is made by the body, usually after eating, and serves as the fuel for every body cell. Diabetes mellitus...

When a family member develops kidney failure, the whole family is affected, even if they don't all show it. Everyone has questions about how kidney failure will affect their own and the patient's life and future plans. If a parent develops kidney failure, children have questions too. Some children...

By Jennifer S. Scherer, M.D.   A few years ago, I left my nephrology private practice because I was driven to do more for my patients. Throughout my training and career in nephrology, I had been intensely aware of how kidney patients – even those doing well – often have poor quality of...

Are you considering giving one of your kidneys to someone in need? A good living donor candidate is healthy, well-informed, and makes a voluntary decision to donate. If you are a potential living donor, you will be starting an amazing journey. But before you can donate, the transplant center must...