Chronic Kidney Disease and Diet: Assessment, Management, and Treatment (Guide)
For general practice dietitians providing medical nutrition therapy to patients who are not on dialysis.
In English, PDF (848K)
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Improving the understanding, detection, and management of kidney disease.
Learn about the two recommended tests for kidney disease.
Learn More
Learn about diet and lifestyle changes to help you live a healthier and longer life.
Learn MoreUnless otherwise noted, up to 10 copies of each material are free. Each additional package of 10 is $2.00.
NKDEP material orders are handled through the NIDDK Clearinghouse. When you click on the order button, a new browser window will open automatically with the Clearinghouse website. Please make sure you complete and submit your order before closing the browser.
Unless otherwise noted, up to 10 copies of each material are free. Each additional package of 10 is $2.00.
NKDEP material orders are handled through the NIDDK Clearinghouse. When you click on the order button, a new browser window will open automatically with the Clearinghouse website. Please make sure you complete and submit your order before closing the browser.
For general practice dietitians providing medical nutrition therapy to patients who are not on dialysis.
In English, PDF (848K)
Explains how to use medicines to people with CKD and encourages patients to turn to pharmacists for information and support.
In English, PDF (295K)
Explains the basics of CKD for recently diagnosed patients.
In English, PDF (1.9M)
A reference on estimating kidney function for prescription medication dosage.
In English, PDF (475K)
An interactive PDF with fields for entering key clinical information to help referring physicians share patient information with registered dietitians. Form can be downloaded, saved, and printed.
In English, PDF (251K)
Para educar a los pacientes sobre cómo deben leer las etiquetas de los alimentos. (For educating patients on how to read food labels.)
In Spanish, PDF (234K)
Provides an overview of the basics of nutrition and CKD.
In English, PDF (168K)
Para educar a los pacientes sobre cómo pueden disminuir el fósforo en su dieta. (For educating patients with CKD about how they can lower phosphorus in their diet.)
In Spanish, PDF (176K)
Para ayudar a los pacientes a entender por qué deben disminuir el potasio en su dieta. (For educating patients on how to reduce the potassium in their diet.)
In Spanish, PDF (203K)
Para educar a los pacientes sobre la cantidad de sodio que deben consumir al día y qué alimentos son más saludables. (For educating patients with CKD about the amount of sodium they should eat every day and to eat healthier foods.)
In Spanish, PDF (249K)
Tear-off pad with 50 easy-to-read patient education sheets for explaining urine albumin and GFR results with patients. Back of pad includes talking points for providers.
In English, PDF (140K)
Tear-off pad with 50 easy-to-read patient education sheets for explaining urine albumin and GFR results with patients. Back of pad includes talking points for providers.
In Chinese, PDF (1.7M)
Tear-off pad with 50 easy-to-read patient education sheets for explaining urine albumin and GFR results with patients. Back of pad includes talking points for providers.
In Vietnamese, PDF (4.3M)
Tear-off pad with 50 easy-to-read patient education sheets for explaining urine albumin and GFR results with patients. Back of pad includes talking points for providers.
In Spanish, PDF (249K)
Encourages families to discuss the connection between diabetes, high blood pressure, and CKD at family reunions. For use by family reunion planners or health champions. Only one copy needed per family.
In English, PDF (4.4M)
Explains the key risk factors for CKD and the importance of getting tested.
In English, PDF (2.6M)
Presents four CKD education concepts for use with patients with diabetes.
In English, PDF (49K)
For use when estimating kidney function for adults and children.
In English
Explains high blood pressure in children to parents and provides steps to keep their child healthy.
In English, PDF (324K)
Explains risk factors for kidney disease, the importance of getting their child's urine tested, and the availability of treatment.
In English, PDF (2.1M)
Explains risk factors for kidney disease and importance of urine testing.
In English, PDF (98K)
Package of materials designed in conjunction with NKDEP's online Kidney Disease Education Lesson Builder to help educators create and implement lesson plans for counseling patients with kidney disease.
In English
Provides faith-based organizations with tools and materials to discuss kidney health at their programs and events.
In English, PDF (4.8M)
Explica los conceptos básicos de la enfermedad de los riñones a los pacientes que han sido diagnosticados recientemente. (Explains the basics of CKD for recently diagnosed patients.)
In Spanish, PDF (2.1M)
Para educar a los pacientes sobre la cantidad correcta de proteínas que deben consumir al día. (For educating patients on how to eat the right amount of protein.)
In Spanish, PDF (233K)
Lists healthy eating tips and recipes with links to other resources.
In English, PDF (229K)
Explains the key risk factors for chronic kidney disease and the importance of getting tested. Informs of the Family Reunion Health Guide and Kidney Sundays Toolkit.
In English, PDF (729K)
An interactive PDF with fields for entering key clinical information to help referring physicians share patient information with nephrologists. Form can be downloaded, saved, and printed.
In English, PDF (123K)
A report summarizing the burden of CKD, NKDEP's efforts to address disparities and improve care, and the program's future directions. Describes NKDEP's initiatives as organized by the Chronic Care Model.
In English, PDF (684K)
Provides a frame of reference for CKD nutrition management by reviewing kidney anatomy and functions and discussing how to identify and monitor CKD using eGFR and UACR. Activities using the eGFR calculator included.
In English, PowerPoint (2.8 MB)
Shows how the diet and medications may interact in hypertension and diabetes in patients with CKD through a case study following Frank's journey as he rapidly approaches kidney failure.
In English, PowerPoint (5.2 MB)
Shows CKD complications through a case study following Joseph as he experiences anemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, and bone disease while trying to lose weight for placement on the kidney transplant list.
In English, PowerPoint (3.9 MB)
Reviews CKD nutrition needs using NKDEP nutrition materials and shows how diet prescriptions in CKD are individualized through activities that identify and compare food sources of added sodium, potassium, and phosphorous.
In English, PowerPoint (5.2 MB)
Shows how diet and medications impact the transition from CKD to kidney failure and reviews how to modify meal plans through a case study following Maria's journey to kidney failure. Renal replacement therapy and diet changes are discussed.
In English, PowerPoint (8.9 MB)
Answers key questions about diabetes and kidney health.
In English, PDF (610K)
Provides answers to common questions about high blood pressure and kidney health.
In English, PDF (635K)
Answers important questions about the risk factors for kidney disease, testing, and what people can do to protect their kidneys.
In English, PDF (279K)
Evaluating Patients with Diabetes for Kidney Disease presents key information about assessing UACR and GFR for diabetes educators and other healthcare professionals.
In English, PDF (156K)
Para ayudar a los pacientes a entender qué significan los resultados de sus pruebas. (For discussing test results with CKD patients.)
In Spanish, PDF (231K)
Explica los principales factores de riesgo de la enfermedad de los riñones y la importancia de hacerse las pruebas de detección. (Explains the key risk factors for CKD and the importance of getting tested.)
In Spanish, PDF (430K)
A summary of the Workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in October 2010 that focused on type 2 translational research for chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In English, PDF (127K)
For educating patients with CKD on food label reading.
In English, PDF (184K)
For educating patients with CKD on phosphorus.
In English, PDF (545K)
For educating patients with CKD on potassium.
In English, PDF (164K)
For educating patients with CKD on protein.
In English, PDF (115K)
For educating patients with CKD on sodium.
In English, PDF (422K)
Para educar a los pacientes sobre los pasos que deben tomar para mejorar su dieta. (For educating patients on the steps they need to take to improve their diet.)
In Spanish, PDF (291K)
Highlights key facts about the impact of kidney disease on African Americans and statistics related to kidney disease in the United States.
In English, PDF (2.2M)
For assessing and discussing test results with CKD patients.
In English, PDF (140K)
This NIDDK fact sheet briefly cites available prevalence and incidence data and includes references.
The USRDS is a national project that collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on 93% of the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population in the United States. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases primarily funds the project, with support from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and its ESRD Networks. Researchers from around the world use the database as the foundation for epidemiological and clinical studies to improve the lives of renal patients.
Kidney Disease Research Updates, an email newsletter, is sent to subscribers by the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). The newsletter features news about kidney disease, special events, patient and professional meetings, and new publications available from the NKUDIC and other organizations.
CDC's CKD Surveillance System documents the burden of CKD and its risk factors in the U.S. population over time and tracks the progress of our efforts to prevent, detect and manage CKD. It also provides the means for evaluation, monitoring and implementation of quality improvement efforts by both federal and non-federal agencies.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created this fact sheet which provides definitive information about the burden and consequences of CKD in the U.S.
CDC's National Diabetes Fact Sheet features national estimates and general information on diabetes and prediabetes in the U.S.
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released this statistical brief on the average annual health care use expenditures for kidney disease in adults (aged 18 and older, U.S. civilian, non-institutionalized population).
Visit the NIDDK website for a list of organizations you can contact for additional statistical information on kidney disease.
What do the kidneys do? Approach 1
(00:52)
Kidneys' shape and size, location in the body, and function.
What do the kidneys do? Approach 2
(01:00)
Kidneys' shape and size, location in the body, and function.
What is chronic kidney disease? Approach 1
(00:53)
Definition of CKD and its effect on the body; explanation of when dialysis or kidney transplant is needed.
What is chronic kidney disease? Approach 2
(00:34)
Definition of CKD and its effect on the body; explanation of when dialysis or kidney transplant is needed.
How can I reduce my risk for kidney disease?
(00:41)
Steps patients can take to keep kidneys healthy, including testing as well as lifestyle and dietary changes.
Is there a connection between heart disease and kidney disease?
(00:30)
Link between heart disease and CKD; the importance of blood pressure control.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease? Approach 1
(00:34)
Lack of symptoms for CKD and the importance of testing.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease? Approach 2
(00:23)
Lack of symptoms for CKD and the importance of testing.
How do you check for kidney disease?
(00:44)
GFR and urine protein tests and the importance of testing.
Why did you test me for kidney disease?
(00:30)
Importance of testing for CKD in the absence of symptoms.
Can kidney disease get better?
(00:55)
Progressive nature of kidney disease; benefits of early treatment.
What changes do I need to make because I have
kidney disease?
(00:38)
Importance of diet and lifestyle changes for people with CKD, such as exercise, smoking cessation, and limiting salt intake.
Are there medications for kidney disease?
(01:32)
Medications to treat CKD, including ACE inhibitors and ARBs, blood pressure medications, and diuretics.
Will I need dialysis? Approach 1
(00:39)
Slowing progression of CKD through treatment and delaying need for dialysis or transplantation.
Will I need dialysis? Approach 2
(00:26)
Slowing progression of CKD through treatment and delaying need for dialysis or transplantation.
What is dialysis?
(01:17)
Definition of dialysis; two main modalities: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Is a kidney transplant an option?
(00:53)
Ways to receive a transplant; transplant as a treatment for kidney failure—not a cure.
I feel fine, why do I need to see a surgeon now? Approach 1
(00:51)
Importance of having an AV fistula placed before dialysis is needed.
I feel fine, why do I need to see a surgeon now? Approach 2
(01:48)
Importance of having an AV fistula placed before dialysis is needed.
What happens if I don't have fistula surgery now?
(01:10)
Importance of early AV fistula surgery and benefits over a catheter.
Will I have more energy after starting dialysis?
(01:12)
Benefits of dialysis on overall well-being.
¿Qué hacen los riñones?
What do the kidneys do?
(01:06)
Ubicación de los riñones en el cuerpo, forma, tamaño y función.
¿Qué es la enfermedad crónica de los riñones?
What is chronic kidney disease?
(01:35)
Definición de la enfermedad crónica de los riñones, como es diagnosticada, y relación entre la presión arterial alta y la diabetes con la enfermedad crónica de los riñones.
¿Cómo puedo evitar la enfermedad de los riñones?
How can I avoid kidney disease?
(01:46)
Pasos para mantener los riñones saludables, incluye pruebas, control de la presión arterial alta y la diabetes, y cambios en la dieta.
¿Cuáles son los síntomas?
What are the symptoms?
(00:58)
La ausencia de síntomas de la enfermedad crónica de los riñones, importancia de hacerse las pruebas.
¿Por qué tengo que hacerme una prueba de sangre?
Why do I have to have a blood test?
(01:50)
Explicación del GFR e importancia de hacerse las pruebas.
¿Por qué tengo que hacerme una prueba de orina?
Why do I have to have a urine test?
(00:55)
Importancia de hacerse la prueba de orina.
¿Cómo se puede curar la enfermedad de los riñones?
How could kidney disease be cured?
(00:33)
Avance progresivo de la enfermedad de los riñones y los beneficios del tratamiento en etapa temprana.
Controlar la enfermedad de los riñones
What can I do to control kidney disease?
(01:08)
Importancia de una buena dieta y cambios en el estilo de vida para la gente con la enfermedad crónica de los riñones. Incluye importancia de hacer ejercicio, tomar medicamentes prescritos por el doctor, dejar de fumar, y uso limitado de la sal.
Medicamento para enfermedad de los riñones
Are there medications for kidney disease?
(00:58)
Medicamentos para tratar la enfermedad crónica de los riñones.
¿Necesitaré alguna vez hacerme diálisis?
Will I need to go on dialysis?
(00:48)
Como detener la progresión de la enfermedad crónica de los riñones con tratamiento y detener la necesidad de diálisis.
¿Qué es la diálisis?
What is dialysis?
(02:06)
Explica lo que es la diálisis; los dos tipos de modalidades: diálisis peritoneal y la hemodiálisis.
¿Puedo recibir un trasplante?
Can I receive a transplant?
(00:44)
Varias formas de recibir un transplante; transplante como tratamiento—no como cura.Toll free at 1-800-891-5390
www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov1-301-592-8573
www.nhlbi.nih.govToll free at 1-800-438-5383
www.ndep.nih.govToll free at 1-800-8608747
www.diabetes.niddk.nih.govToll free at 1-800-232-4636
www.cdc.govToll free at 1-888-ASK-HRSA
www.organdonor.govPDF files require Adobe Acrobat
Page last updated: February 6, 2013
NKDEP is an initiative of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®
What is a fistula and how does it work?
What does a fistula look like?
Why is a fistula the best option? Approach 1
Why is a fistula the best option? Approach 2
What are the problems with a catheter?
What should I do to prepare for surgery?
How soon after surgery can I use my arm?