Health According to The Kidney Foundation of Canada’s 2022 report, about four million Canadians – or 10% of the population (the majority being seniors) – have kidney disease. Unlike many medical conditions that present with symptoms in the early stages, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is usually diagnosed only through blood tests specifically indicated for kidney function. Early diagnosis is important so that measures to enhance kidney function and delay progression of the disease can be initiated. Chronic kidney disease refers to a number of conditions that affect kidneys by damaging the nephrons and impeding their function – eliminating wastes and excess fluids. There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of the condition, which may last for years. Diagnosis can only be made with a routine kidney function test, which should be part of a health examination of every known diabetic or patient with hypertension, as well as every senior. Other risks include obesity, the regular use of certain anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, being indigenous, heart disease and urinary or prostate problems. Unfortunately, in this day of inadequate access to family physicians and regular health examinations, early diagnosis and treatment may suffer. If you are a diabetic, are being treated for high blood pressure or are over the age of 60, be sure that you have had such testing. A blood test for serum creatinine and a urine test for albumin will indicate the status of your kidney health and whether or not you have the condition. If normal, it should be by Robert MacMillan MD Kidney Disease 30 | www.snowbirds.org
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