Kidney disease

Definition

Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood properly, leading to a buildup of waste products in the body. It can be chronic or acute, impacting overall endocrine health and necessitating specific nutritional considerations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Proper nutrition can slow the progression of kidney disease by managing blood sugar levels and reducing blood pressure.
2. Patients with kidney disease often need to limit their intake of protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
3. Endocrine disorders like diabetes are a leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
4. Fluid balance is critical for patients with kidney disease to avoid complications such as edema or hypertension.
5. Certain nutrients, such as vitamin D and iron, may need to be supplemented due to impaired kidney function.

Review Questions

• Why is it important for patients with kidney disease to manage their protein intake?
• How do endocrine disorders like diabetes contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease?
• What specific nutrients might need supplementation in patients with impaired kidney function?

Related terms

Diabetes Mellitus:

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels that can lead to complications including kidney damage.

Hypertension:

High blood pressure that puts extra strain on the kidneys and can exacerbate kidney disease.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A test used to measure how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.