Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.¹  If CKD goes untreated, kidneys can stop working and kidney failure is imminent. Kidney failure is also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD) which requires dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.  Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure.²

Early detection and treatment is critical to managing any chronic disease and it is especially vital to preventing chronic kidney disease from progressing to end-stage renal disease. Early screening is important with this condition because many people with CKD may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced.

For more information, please refer to these resources:

• NJDOH End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Patient Assistance Program
• CDC Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
• American Association of Kidney Patients
• National Kidney Foundation
• Healthy People 2020

References: 

1. Chronic Kidney Disease Basics. CDC. 2/7/20.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease. Healthy People 2020. 10/8/20.