Chronic Kidney Disease

Texas Health and Human Services provides resources and services to help prevent and manage end stage renal disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), sometimes called chronic kidney failure, means that kidneys are irreversibly damaged, and the extent of the damage will increase over time. This damage may be caused by a disease that is limited to the kidneys or by a systemic disease such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Learn more about chronic kidney disease, how to prevent it, and how to manage it by clicking the categories below.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

CKD, sometimes called chronic kidney failure, means that kidneys are irreversibly damaged, and the extent of the damage will increase over time. 

Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease

There are many ways to help prevent CKD. By managing risk factors and practicing healthy habits, you can minimize excessive damage to the kidneys and help avoid a major health issue.

Managing and Treating Chronic Kidney Disease

If your kidneys don’t function well, toxic waste and extra fluid accumulate in your body and may lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and even death. You can take steps to protect your kidneys with the help of your health care providers. 

Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of CKD in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Kidney Health Care Program

Kidney Health Care is a statewide program that helps low-income Texans with end-stage renal disease:

  • Access treatments including dialysis.
  • Undergo dialysis access surgery.
  • Receive prescription medications.
  • Travel to transplant or dialysis services (mileage reimbursement).
  • Help pay for Medicare Part D drug plan premiums. 

Comments, questions, or to report an issue, email KHC program staff.

Learn more about the program.

Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force

The Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force (CKDTF) assembles leading Texas nephrologists, nurses, dietitians, educators and other chronic kidney disease experts to assess the effectiveness of support in Texas and provides recommendations to state leaders on developing and implementing a cost-effective state plan for prevention, early screening, diagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease.

We want to acknowledge the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and their Division of Nephrology and the Center for Renal Precision Medicine team for providing this content.

Learn more about CKDTF.