Kidney Disease Awareness Month highlights the significance of kidney health and encourages individuals to learn about the functions of their kidneys and the risks associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Health organizations, medical professionals, and communities coordinate efforts to bring this often silently progressing condition into public discussion. The goal is to shift public focus toward preventative measures and early detection strategies.
Identifying the Awareness Month
Kidney Disease Awareness Month is observed every year throughout March. This timing creates a sustained focus on kidney health, supported by coordinated efforts from major organizations like the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The month-long campaign is internationally amplified by World Kidney Day, which typically falls on the second Thursday of March, solidifying March as the global month for kidney health.
The Core Goals of Kidney Disease Awareness
The primary goal of the awareness month is to educate the public about the prevalence and silent nature of Chronic Kidney Disease. In the United States, more than one in seven adults, an estimated 35.5 million people, have CKD, yet nine out of ten of those individuals are unaware they have the condition. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, but damage often occurs without noticeable symptoms until the disease is significantly advanced. This lack of early warning makes proactive screening particularly important for those at elevated risk.
Diabetes and high blood pressure account for the majority of CKD cases. Approximately one in three adults with diabetes and one in five with high blood pressure may develop kidney disease, as these conditions damage the blood vessels within the kidneys over time. Other risk factors include a family history of kidney failure, heart disease, and obesity. Awareness campaigns aim to motivate those most vulnerable to seek testing before the disease progresses to a stage requiring dialysis or a transplant.
Ways to Participate and Find Resources
Taking proactive steps during the awareness month and year-round can significantly reduce the risk of kidney disease progression. For at-risk individuals, seeking preventative screening is the most direct action to take. The two primary screening tools are a blood test and a urine test.
The blood test measures creatinine levels to calculate the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which indicates how efficiently the kidneys are filtering waste. The urine test, known as the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), checks for the presence of albumin, a protein that leaks into the urine when the kidneys are damaged. An albumin result of 30 or above may indicate kidney disease. These tests can detect damage in its earliest stages, allowing for timely intervention.
Beyond personal screening, the public can engage through advocacy and community support. This includes supporting organizations like the NKF or the American Kidney Fund, which provide patient education and fund research, and participating in local educational events. Utilizing authoritative resources from government health agencies provides guidance on lifestyle changes, such as managing blood sugar and blood pressure, to protect long-term kidney function.