New Publication Helps African Americans "Make the Kidney Connection"

African Americans are disproportionately affected by kidney failure due in part to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure -- the two leading causes of kidney failure. "Diabetes and high blood pressure are all too common among African Americans, yet many are unaware of their risk factors and the importance of getting tested," said Griffin P. Rodgers, M.D., director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). "NKDEP recognizes the importance of promoting key messages about kidney disease risk factors to this audience."

The brochure explains the blood and urine tests used to detect kidney disease in simple, easy-to-read language. It also outlines several steps to protect one's kidneys. These include:

-- Keeping your kidneys healthy by managing your diabetes and high blood pressure;
-- Asking your health care provider to test your blood and urine for kidney disease; and
-- If you have kidney disease, talking to your health care provider about treatment options.

"Unlike many diseases, kidney disease often has no symptoms until it is very advanced," says NKDEP Director, Dr. Andrew Narva. "For this reason and others, it is important for African Americans to not only become aware of their risk, but also to learn about the steps they can take to keep their kidneys healthier longer. An important step is to get tested."

In developing the brochure, NKDEP worked with health care professionals who routinely care for African American patients at risk for kidney disease. Reviewers included NKDEP Coordinating Panel members and representatives from the Association of Minority Nephrologists.

For more information about the brochure and other NKDEP materials, visit NKDEP or call 1-866-4 KIDNEY (1-866-454-3639).

Message posted by: Rashmi Nemade