Question:

How can I increase kidney function? I only have 30 percent right now. Can I stop it from decreasing?

Answer:

This depends on what the cause is of your decreased kidney function.  If it’s diabetes or high blood pressure, the best you can hope to do is probably to keep your kidney function from getting any worse.  But be aware that 30% is plenty of function for most people — you can live comfortably on that, as long as it doesn’t decrease further.

Please see the links below for more info on chronic kidney disease and what can be done to manage or stabilize it.  The main points are:  

• Good control of diabetes and/or high blood pressure
• Weight loss (if needed)
• Smoking cessation
• Treatment of high cholesterol and other lipids

Please write back if you have more questions. 

Related Resources:

Basic Information About the Kidneys
Treatment of CKD

For more information:

Go to the Kidney Diseases health topic.