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People of color are disproportionately affected by kidney disease compared to their white counterparts, with African-Americans at the highest risk of diagnosis. Some attribute this to differences in socio-economical conditions. Because of elevated rates of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes-- both conditions which are devastating to the renal organ-- kidney disease has reached near epidemic proportions.
It is imperative to get tested frequently for kidney disease as, oftentimes, symptoms don’t become apparent until conditions have considerably worsened. When symptoms do occur, patients commonly suffer from nausea and vomiting, fatigue, changes in urine, hypertension, troubled sleeping, chest pains and shortness of breath.
Those with family histories of the disease should also take caution. The National Kidney Foundation advocates cutting risks for the disease by following a healthy lifestyle with adequate nutrition and exercise.