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.
Featured Topics
Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. Learn about diabetes & kidney disease
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
Watch a video of NIDDK Director Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers explaining the importance of participating in clinical trialsResearch Discoveries & News
- On World Kidney Day, kidney health is for everyone — including you
- Kidney protein could expand the window for developmental nephron production
- NIH clinical trial to track outcomes of kidney transplantation from HIV-positive donors to HIV-positive recipients
- Researchers turn to creative approaches to battle kidney stones