Chronic kidney disease (CKD), often called a “silent” disease, begins with symptoms so mild that you might not ever notice, so you won’t usually know you have it unless your doctor tests for it. That’s why it’s important to work with your doctor to get the right blood and urine tests during regular check-ups.

While CKD affects about 15% of adults in the U.S., that percentage doubles for those with diabetes. About a third of adults with diabetes have chronic kidney disease. The disease is also on the rise in Maine, according to the United Health Foundation, which reported a 30% increase between 2020 and 2022.  

Your kidneys have a critical job to do. They filter your blood, regulate your body’s balance of salt and water, help to correct low sugar levels and help regulate blood pressure. High levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the kidneys.

Preventing kidney disease

Though diabetes is the No. 1 cause of kidney disease, it isn’t the only risk factor. High blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, obesity and chronic urinary tract infections, can all cause issues.

Here are few tips to help you take care of your kidneys:

• Control your blood sugar levels as much as possible.
• Get your glucose and kidney function levels tested, along with other relevant tests. Ask your doctor which tests you need and how often you should be tested.
• Keep blood pressure below the target your doctor sets.
• Stay in your target cholesterol range.
• Eat well. Choose foods lower in sodium, sugar and refined carbs, and munch on more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. If you need help making diet or lifestyle changes, consider talking to a registered dietician.
• Stay physically active.
• Take prescribed medicine as directed.
• Drink plenty of water and limit sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
• Keep scheduled appointments with your doctor.

While symptoms can be mild, you might notice some changes if you reach later stages of CKD. You could feel tired, have a poor appetite or trouble sleeping, or you might notice swelling throughout your body, have a frequent urge to urinate (especially at night) and have cramping muscles.

If you are a Community Health Options Member, all non-HSA plans, except for the Catastrophic plan, offer help managing diabetes and other conditions through our Chronic Illness Support Program (CISP). If you have questions about coverage available to you, review your plan documents in your Member portal or call our Maine-based Member Services team at (855) 624-6463 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Could you be at risk? About 10% of adults in Maine have diabetes, with about 6,800 more diagnosed each year, according to the American Diabetes Association. You can reduce your risk by managing your blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you’re worried that you’re at risk, talk to your doctor at your next check-up.

Find resources or learn if you're at risk at Rethink Diabetes Maine. The American Diabetes Association also provides resources including cookbooks, meal planners and tips to manage kidney disease.

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