If you don't give a hill of beans about your kidney health, beware!
More than 35 million Americans are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (that means their kidneys cannot effectively clear out waste and extra fluid from their bloodstream), and 90% have no idea they have the life-shortening condition. That sets them up for kidney failure, dialysis, stroke, and heart disease. And those risks are compounded by the fact that chronic kidney disease often goes along with Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and overweight/obesity.
That's why, if you have any of those risk factors or a family history of kidney disease, you should get an annual eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) blood test and/or a cystatin C-based eGFR to spot developing problems. Urine tests can also assess the amount of albumin (a type of protein) in your urine compared to the level of creatinine or see levels of a protein called nephrin to determine if your kidneys aren't filtering your blood as they should.
If you're developing kidney disease, new medications are proving beneficial. They include: SGLT2 inhibitors like Jardiance for folks with or without Type 2 diabetes; finerenone for those with certain levels of Type 2 diabetes-associated kidney disease; and GLP-1s like Ozempic and Mounjaro -- especially for anyone with kidney disease who has had a heart attack, has coronary stents, or has had bypass surgery. These meds can reduce your risk of kidney and heart failure and more!
For help avoiding or reversing obesity, Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as heart and chronic kidney disease, join the 4You Health Community at 4YOUngevity.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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