National Kidney Foundation of Michigan and Michigan Department of Community Health issue a comprehensive strategic plan to prevent chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem that is rapidly approaching epidemic proportions. Currently, one in nine Americans age 20 and over has CKD, but “most don’t know it.” The two leading causes of CKD are diabetes (44%) and hypertension (26%). Left untreated, CKD can lead to total kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. Kidney failure is expected to double in the United States from 2000 to 2010.

The annual rate of new cases being diagnosed in Michigan is higher than the national rate. It is possible to reduce the burden of CKD in Michigan because much of it can be prevented or delayed. Since kidney disease can be prevented or significantly delayed, the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) joined with the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM) to develop a plan for intervention. In 1996 NKFM began receiving state funding to implement State Kidney Plan programs. This updated strategic action plan (2005) is the “map” for the early prevention, detection and management of kidney disease.

People at highest risk for CKD are those with diabetes and/or hypertension, family history of kidney disease, seniors, and minorities. Recently another group of high risk individuals has appeared: children who are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes because of obesity and inactivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one in three U.S. children born in 2000 will be diagnosed with diabetes unless they start eating healthy foods and increasing physical activity. Children who develop Type 2 diabetes are at high risk for developing CKD at young ages (in their 20’s and 30’s). CKD can be prevented in many of those at high risk and progression can be slowed in those who already have the disease.

The Michigan Strategic Action Plan recommendations outline interventions within the health care setting and the community that will prevent or slow progression of CKD in adults and children.

Download the Michigan comprehensive strategic plan to prevent chronic kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease Strategic Plan 

By increasing knowledge resulting in behavior change we can prevent CKD, make lives better and save health care costs.