It is a sad fact that – even as prevalent as kidney disease has become in the United States – many Americans have no idea that, albeit silently, their kidney function is deteriorating. As we know, there are often few obvious, outward signs. Genetics and race play a role; but whereas people might be aware that their blood pressure is high, they could stand to lose some weight or that their blood sugars are elevated, not enough individuals know to connect the dots between these medical issues and the functional longevity of their kidneys.

I believe it is time for that to change. Unlike health epidemics of the past in which the facts and science proved elusive for years (HIV/AIDS, for example), kidney disease and its progression is something we largely understand, and we can easily screen for it. If detected early, it can sometimes be prevented — as can the progression to kidney failure. We have an arsenal of tools to attack the ninth-leading cause of death in the United States — and it is time we start smartly and efficiently putting these to use.

Click here to see the full article on the Healio Nephrology News & Issues website.