Diabetes
What is diabetes? How do you prevent and treat it ? Our providers are well versed in managing this chronic condition. Stay well informed and familiarize yourself with the condition. Keep reading to find out more.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, is a common kidney disease leading to worsening kidney function. The kidneys have the important task of filtering our blood and excreting waste from the body. Gradually over time, the kidneys can get injured and slowly begin to weaken in their function. Kidney disease can progress slowly or rapidly depending on its cause, ultimately leading to the need for dialysis machine to do the kidney’s job or to replace the kidney with a transplant.
CKD is classified into stages based on GFR, a measure of kidney function, starting from stage 3 to stage 5 being the lowest state of kidney function.
Causes of CKD can vary from primary sources, which is the dysfunction of the kidney itself. There can also be secondary causes of CKD, such as high blood pressure, repeated NSAIDs use, or diabetes, where the kidneys are overwhelmed in their work, and this leads to kidney injury.
Symptoms of CKD can include:
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sleep problems
- Urinating more or less
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- High blood pressure (hypertension) that's difficult to control
- Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
- Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart
CKD can also progressively worsen silently which is why it is important to keep regular healthcare appointments and bloodwork done to monitor kidney function. Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, but the providers at Montgomery Family Care are well-trained to help patients prevent further damage to the kidneys.
Providers at Montgomery Family Care are able to order your blood work on a regular schedule, monitor kidney function and recommend lifestyle and medication changes to help improve your health. The providers at MFC can also closely work with your nephrologist, a kidney doctor, to help determine the best care plan for you. With regular follow up and medication adherence, patients with CKD can live longer fulfilling lives as they know that the doctors and providers at MFC are working hard to monitor their health.
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