Kidney disease is any condition that affects the functioning of your kidneys. Chronic kidney disease refers to kidney damage that generally can't be reversed. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). When kidney disease is detected early, changes to your lifestyle and what you eat can slow down the progress of kidney failure and prevent serious consequences. Read more about kidney disease.
There are a variety of apps to support people with kidney disease. Depending on their features, they can help you:
- learn about kidney disease
- keep track of your signs and symptoms including weight, blood pressure and blood glucose
- set reminders for your medicines
- keep track of your sodium, potassium and protein intake.
Tips on how to use kidney disease apps safely
Do (✔)
- Kidney disease apps are best used under the supervision of your healthcare provider who can help you assess if the app is suitable for you.
- Use an app to keep track of your symptoms as part of your management plan.
- Use graphs and reporting for discussions with your healthcare provider.
- Be careful when reading information on discussion boards or group chat rooms. Some apps have interactive features where users can share their experiences. Be cautious, because in most cases these aren't monitored by a health professional so the advice or suggestions may not be safe or effective.
- Know when to seek help.
Don’t (✘)
- Don't rely on apps to make a diagnosis of your condition.
- Don't use treatments without first seeking medical and professional advice.
- Don't make changes to your medicines based on the recommendations from the app.
