A little TLC can keep your kidneys going strong

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Healthy kidneys are key to overall wellness. But 1 in 7 adults in the U.S. has chronic kidney disease (CKD) — and as many as 9 in 10 don’t know it.

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Your kidneys may be compact — each roughly the size of a computer mouse — but they’re doing a full-time job and then some. Every 30 minutes, they filter all the blood in your body, adding up to roughly 50 gallons of blood a day. Beyond removing waste, they also:

  • Help control your blood pressure
  • Signal your body to make new red blood cells to replace old ones and keep oxygen flowing, which is critical for energy, organ function and survival
  • Support bone health
  • Balance essential chemicals your body relies on for functions that keep us alive

Healthy kidneys keep the rest of you running smoothly — but many people don’t realize how common kidney disease is. About 1 in 7 U.S. adults has chronic kidney disease (CKD), but more than 90% of them don’t know it.1

CKD often develops silently, over time. Damaged kidneys can’t filter blood properly, causing waste and fluid to build up gradually. As CKD progresses, it can contribute to a range of complications, including heart disease, anemia, infections, appetite loss and depression.

Because symptoms don’t show up until later stages of the disease, staying on top of checkups and screenings based on your individual risk factors is essential.

Who’s at higher risk for CKD?

Some health factors and lifestyle behaviors can increase your chances of developing CKD. Key risks include:

  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • A family history of CKD
  • Being overweight
  • Heart disease
  • Smoking
  • Being age 60 or older
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What to do based on your risk profile

If you fall into a high-risk group, talk with your doctor about regular kidney function testing, including how often.

If you have diabetesIf you have high blood pressureIf you have a family history of CKDIf you are considered overweight

About 1 in 3 people with diabetes has CKD. To reduce your risk:

  • Aim to stay within your blood glucose targets.
  • Get your A1c tested at least twice a year (up to 4 times is ideal).
  • Get a yearly CKD screening.

Roughly 1 in 5 people with hypertension has CKD. To reduce your risk:

  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
  • Talk with your doctor about medications and lifestyle choices that can reduce your blood pressure and protect your kidneys.
  • Your own risk for kidney disease may be higher if you have a close relative with kidney disease. This makes regular screening even more important.
  • Excess weight increases your likelihood of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, the two leading causes of CKD.
  • Managing your weight can help lower your overall CKD risk.

For more prevention tips, look to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for guidance on kidney health.

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Get the right tests at the right time

Since CKD rarely shows early warning signs, only lab tests can confirm whether your kidneys are functioning properly.

During your annual preventive visit, ask your provider whether kidney screening makes sense based on your age and health history. Testing may include:

  • A urine dipstick test
  • Blood tests measuring creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR)

Learn more about these tests and discuss which options are right for you.

Some lab tests may not be considered preventive and could involve out-of-pocket costs. Coverage for diagnostic testing is based on your Medicare Part B coverage. For questions about what your plan covers, contact Anthem Health Guide at (844) 437-0486 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, except holidays), or visit the Anthem member portal.

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1. Chronic Kidney Disease Prevalence and Awareness Among US Adults. JAMA Cardiology. 2025. Gong J, Vaduganathan M, Wadhera RK.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).