We want to hear from you this Kidney Action Month

The correct answer is "All of the above." In most cases, kidney disease is caused by other health problems that have done permanent damage (harm) to your kidneys over time. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. High blood pressure is the second most common cause. Other problems that can cause kidney disease include: autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases (diseases you are born with), nephrotic syndrome, and urinary tract problems.

The correct answer is "Sometimes." Living a healthy lifestyle can help prevent kidney disease or help keep it under control. Also, if you have kidney disease, finding out early that your kidneys are not working as well as they should can give you the chance to prevent kidney failure. Although existing damage to kidneys cannot be fixed, you can take steps to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible for as long as possible. You may even be able to stop the damage from getting worse.
 
The American Kidney Fund recommends a healthy lifestyle that includes: controlling your blood sugar if you have diabetes, keeping a healthy blood pressure, eating foods low in salt and saturated and trans fat, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking or using tobacco, limiting alcohol intake, and talking to your doctor about medicines that can help protect your kidneys.

37 million Americans are living with kidney disease. The American Kidney Fund's vision is a world without kidney disease. Until that day comes, we believe every kidney patient should have access to health care, and every person at risk for kidney disease should be empowered to prevent it.

There are many ways you can help make a difference — from gifts of support to promoting kidney disease awareness in your community to joining our online fundraising community, KidneyNation! Learn more at KidneyFund.org.

The correct answer is "All of the above." If your kidneys start to fail, you may have dry, itchy skin, muscle cramps, swelling in your feet and ankles, decreased urination, trouble catching your breath, trouble sleeping. You may also feel sick to your stomach or not feel hungry. If you experience any of these symptoms talk to your health care provider about getting tested for kidney disease and ways to help you.