The kidney services at University Hospitals of Leicester are part of one of the largest renal programs in the UK, working in partnership with satellite units across the region. They provide care for patients in the community who have kidney disease and are on or about to start dialysis treatment through our home care team.
Our services cover acute and chronic renal problems, as well as treatment for end-stage renal failure therapy, including haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplants. We provide renal services for the people of Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and parts of Cambridgeshire.
What are kidneys and what do they do?
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist, located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Their main job is to filter your blood, remove waste products and excess water to make urine. This process helps to maintain a healthy balance of water, salt, and minerals in your body. Kidneys also produce hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells, and keep your bones strong. For more information on your kidneys and what they do, watch this short video to learn more.
How to keep your kidneys healthy
Keeping your kidneys healthy is crucial for overall well-being. Simple steps include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive use of over-the-counter pain medications. Regular check-ups, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease, can also help in early detection and management. For more tips on kidney health, watch this short video.
Tests to check kidney function
Various tests can be performed to check how well your kidneys are functioning. These often include blood tests to measure levels of waste products like creatinine and urea, and urine tests to check for protein or blood in the urine. These tests help healthcare professionals diagnose kidney problems early and monitor the progression of kidney disease. For more information on tests to check kidney function, watch our tests to check kidney function video.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don’t work as well as they should. This means they are less able to filter waste products from your blood, which can build up in your body and cause health problems. CKD often progresses slowly over many years and may not show symptoms in its early stages. For more detailed information on chronic kidney disease, watch our what is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) video.
What is my risk of kidney failure with CKD?
The risk of kidney failure with CKD varies depending on the stage of the disease, underlying causes, and how well other health conditions are managed. Factors such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, and certain genetic conditions can increase the risk of progression to kidney failure, which would then require dialysis or a kidney transplant. For more information on your risk of kidney failure with CKD, watch our what is my risk of kidney failure with CKD (chronic kidney disease) video.
Conditions related to kidney disease:
- Chronic Kidney Disease and Mineral Bone
- Anaemia and the kidneys
- High cholesterol and the kidneys
- High blood pressure and the kidneys
Treatments related to kidney disease:
- What are SGLT2 inhibitors – Chronic Kidney Disease
- Medicines to help people with Chronic Kidney Disease – Finerenone
- Tolvaptan for polycystic kidney disease
Useful links:
- UK Kidney Association | The leading professional body for the UK kidney community
- Patients Know Best
- Home | Kidney Research UK
- Kidney Care UK, the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity | Kidney Care UK
- The Leicester IgAN Research Group | University of Leicester
- Leicestershire Kidney Patients Association | lkpa.uk
- National Kidney Federation
- Leicester Kidney Lifestyle Team