Kidney Disease
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs. Each kidney is about the size of a fist. Your kidneys filter extra water and wastes out of your blood and make urine. Kidney disease means your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should.
You are at greater risk for kidney disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. If you experience kidney failure, treatments include kidney transplant or dialysis. Other kidney problems include acute kidney injury, kidney cysts, kidney stones, and kidney infections.
Understanding Your Kidneys and CKD
National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP)
NKDEP develops materials for people with kidney disease and the health professionals who care for them.
- Your Kidney Test Results
- Talk with Your Family about Kidney Health
- Talk with Your Faith Community about Kidney Health
Kidney Disease Topics
Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney Failure
Clinical Trials
Research Discoveries & News
- NIH clinical trial to track outcomes of kidney transplantation from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients
- This World Kidney Day, shine a spotlight on women’s health
- Researchers turn to creative approaches to battle kidney stones
- Youth with type 2 diabetes develop complications more often than peers with type 1 diabetes