Living with Kidney Disease

You’re Not Alone in This Journey

A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can feel overwhelming. Many people don’t know what to expect or how to move forward. That’s where the Alaska Kidney Patients Association (AKPA) comes in. We’re here to answer your questions, connect you with resources, and walk with you—so you can keep living your best Alaskan life.

What Is Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease happens when your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood the way they should. It often develops slowly and may not show symptoms until the disease is advanced.

  • More than 1 in 7 adults in the U.S.—about 37 million people—have CKD.

  • As many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD don’t know they have it.

  • The leading causes are diabetes and high blood pressure.

Early detection and treatment can slow or even prevent kidney failure. That’s why understanding the stages and getting tested is so important.

The Stages of Kidney Disease

  • Stage 1 & 2: Often no symptoms. Usually found when being tested for high blood pressure, diabetes, or another condition.

  • Stage 3: Symptoms may include swollen hands or feet, puffy eyes, changes in urination, fatigue, or pain in the lower back. At this stage, it’s recommended to see a kidney specialist (nephrologist).

  • Stage 4: Advanced kidney damage. Additional symptoms may include nausea, metallic taste in the mouth, loss of appetite, or trouble concentrating.

  • Stage 5: Kidney failure. Treatment requires dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The Impact of Kidney Disease in Alaska

Kidney disease affects thousands of Alaskans—and the numbers are rising.

  • In the past 10 years, the number of Alaskans with End Stage Renal Failure (no kidney function, requiring dialysis or transplant) has more than doubled.

  • Nationwide, over 661,000 Americans are living with kidney failure.

  • Nearly 193,000 Americans are living with a functioning kidney transplant, while 468,000 rely on dialysis.

Living Well with Kidney Disease

While CKD brings challenges, it doesn’t have to take away your quality of life. AKPA connects you to:

  • Community Support – Meet others who know exactly what you’re going through. Sharing stories, encouragement, and hope makes the journey less lonely.

  • Resources & Education – Learn how to manage kidney disease, prevent complications, and explore treatment options.

  • Financial Help – Through our Patient Emergency Assistance Fund, we provide cash grants for food, medicine, and other urgent expenses for patients in Alaska receiving dialysis or awaiting transplant. Requests are coordinated through local dialysis and transplant center social workers.

Causes of Kidney Disease

  • Diabetes: Almost 1 in 3 people with diabetes have CKD. High blood sugar can damage kidney blood vessels.

  • High Blood Pressure: 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure also have CKD. Like diabetes, it damages the kidneys over time.

Other risk factors include family history, obesity, smoking, and age.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

Being diagnosed with kidney disease is hard—but there is help, hope, and a supportive community here in Alaska. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time patient, or a caregiver, AKPA is here to stand with you.