Diabetes
High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels and filtering structures in the kidneys over time.
VitalReach Kidney Health Ghana
Know your kidneys.
Protect your life.
Clear, practical information to help individuals and families understand kidney risk, screening, everyday prevention, and the questions to take to a qualified healthcare professional.
Start the guide →Why kidney health matters
Quiet work.
Lasting impact.
Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. They also help balance fluids and minerals, support healthy blood pressure, and contribute to red-blood-cell and bone health.
Early chronic kidney disease often has no symptoms. Understanding your personal risk and having the right blood and urine tests can help detect problems earlier, when there may be more opportunity to protect kidney function.
01 · Understand your risk
Who should start the conversation?
Anyone can develop kidney disease, but some health conditions and family factors increase the likelihood.
High blood pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels; kidney disease can also make blood pressure harder to manage.
Heart disease
Heart and kidney health are closely connected, and reduced blood flow or heart failure can increase kidney risk.
Family history
A close relative with chronic kidney disease or kidney failure may mean you should discuss testing earlier.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, ask a qualified healthcare professional how often your kidneys should be checked.
02 · Screening
Know the two tests
that tell a bigger story.
A healthcare professional interprets these results alongside your health history. One result alone may not establish a diagnosis, and repeat testing may be needed.
A blood-test estimate
Estimated glomerular filtration rate uses a blood creatinine result and other information to estimate how well the kidneys filter blood.
Ask: What is my eGFR, and what does its trend mean for me?A urine albumin check
Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio checks for albumin, a blood protein that can pass into urine when the kidneys are damaged.
Ask: What is my uACR, and should the test be repeated?03 · Everyday protection
Small choices support the bigger picture.
Your personal plan depends on your health, medicines, and test results. These principles can help you begin a useful conversation with your care team.
Manage blood pressure
Know your numbers, take prescribed medicines as directed, and agree on a personal target with your healthcare professional.
Manage blood sugar
If you have diabetes, follow your treatment plan and ask how often kidney blood and urine tests are appropriate.
Build sustainable habits
Choose balanced meals, limit excess salt, stay active as appropriate, avoid tobacco, and attend regular checkups.
Hydrate appropriately
Fluid needs are personal. If you have kidney or heart disease, follow the specific fluid guidance provided by your care team.
04 · Medication and supplement safety
Ask before you mix.
Some over-the-counter pain medicines—including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen—can harm the kidneys, particularly in people who are dehydrated or already have kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Tell your physician or pharmacist about every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, herb, supplement, and energy product you use. Never stop a prescribed medicine without professional guidance.
Learn from trusted sources
Keep asking informed questions.
This guide is educational and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about your individual needs.
NIDDK: Kidney tests and diagnosis ↗ CDC: Kidney disease risk factors ↗ National Kidney Foundation: Medicine safety ↗