---
title: "Chronic kidney disease services at Sutter Health"
description: "Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevents your body from properly filtering and removing toxins. While there isn’t a cure for CKD, we can help identify its cause and manage its progression."
url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/chronic-kidney-disease"
---

1.  [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) /
2.  [Services](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services) /
3.  Chronic kidney disease

![chronic-kidney-disease-3](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/Hero-Images/chronic-kidney-disease-3.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150)

# Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevents your body from properly filtering and removing toxins. While there isn’t a cure for CKD, we can help identify its cause and manage its progression.

[Find a nephrologist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Nephrology%22%5D%7D%5D&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

[Request a Referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals?facets=%7B%22c_relatedServices.name%22%3A%7B%2217%22%3A%7B%22value%22%3A%22Kidney+Disease+and+Nephrology%22%2C%22matcher%22%3A%22%24eq%22%7D%7D%7D&verticalKey=healthcare_facilities)

![chronic-kidney-disease-3](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/sutterhealt962c-sutterhealt8fce-production57cc-4860/media/Project/SutterHealth/SutterHealth/Images/Hero-Images/chronic-kidney-disease-3.jpg?h=2100&iar=0&w=3150)

## Why choose Sutter?

About 1 in 7 people in the U.S. has kidney disease — and many of them don’t even know it. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often doesn’t show symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Even then, symptoms like nausea, fatigue and trouble sleeping can be mistaken for other conditions. That's why it's essential to regularly monitor your kidney function if your doctor determines you're at higher risk.

At Sutter, our specialists will create a tailored plan to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible. If your kidney disease progresses and you need dialysis or a [kidney transplant](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/kidney-transplant), you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. Our nationally ranked transplant program uses advanced technology and brings experienced specialists to you to reduce organ-donor wait times. You’ll also receive support through every stage of the process. We provide classes and support groups to help you manage the cause of your kidney disease and cope with its effects.

## By the numbers

### 150+

kidney specialists

dedicate themselves to the highest level of research-backed kidney care.

### 25+

dedicated diabetes instructors

lead classes and support groups on healthy lifestyle changes, pregnancy-related kidney care and more.

### 200+

kidney transplants

performed each year, earning Sutter the Healthgrades distinction as one of the top 19 transplant centers nationwide.

### 1st

6-way kidney transplant

in California was performed at Sutter, using the MatchGrid software.

## Need a referral?

Chat live with our team Monday through Friday, 8:00 am — 5:00 pm, or call us at [888-834-1788](tel:+18888341788).

[Request a referral](https://www.sutterhealth.org/referrals)

## Diagnostics

-   Biopsy
-   Blood test
-   Ultrasound
-   Urinalysis

## Treatments

-   Hemodialysis
-   [Infusion centers](https://www.sutterhealth.org/services/infusion-centers)
-   Peritoneal dialysis

## Sutter spotlight

Health & wellness

### [Am I Dehydrated?](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/am-i-dehydrated)

Avoid the uncomfortable feelings of dizziness and lethargy by staying hydrated.

Health & wellness

### [Four Health Numbers You Should Know](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/four-health-numbers-you-should-know)

Learn the four basic numbers you should know to assess your health.

Health & wellness

### [How to Limit Sodium When Eating Out](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/how-to-limit-sodium-when-eating-out)

Learn how to avoid excess sodium when dining out.

## Frequently asked questions

**What increases your risk of developing chronic kidney disease?**

Factors that increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease include:

-   Being overweight or obese
-   Cardiovascular disease
-   Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
-   Genetic background and family history
-   High blood pressure

**What is dialysis?**

Dialysis is a mechanical process that filters waste from your blood. There are two main types: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a machine to restore your electrolyte balance and filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. Peritoneal dialysis uses a natural filter in your body — the lining of your belly, called the peritoneal membrane — to do the same.

**What are the advantages of hemodialysis?**

Hemodialysis most often occurs at a hospital or dialysis center, using an access site in your forearm. Advantages include: 

-   Trained health professionals manage and oversee the process
-   It requires fewer days and shorter treatment sessions than peritoneal dialysis
-   You’ll be in contact with other people having dialysis, which may offer emotional support
-   Unlike peritoneal dialysis, it doesn’t increase your risk of peritonitis, an infection of the belly lining

**What are the advantages of peritoneal dialysis?**

Peritoneal dialysis uses a catheter in your belly to drain waste and excess fluid from your body into a collection bag. Your care team will teach you to perform peritoneal dialysis at home. Advantages include:

-   You can perform dialysis at home or any clean location, even while traveling or sleeping
-   You can perform it yourself
-   It doesn’t require as many food and fluid restrictions as hemodialysis
-   It doesn’t use needles
-   Unlike hemodialysis, it doesn’t increase your risk of low blood pressure or blood clots

## Chronic kidney disease care and support

Get CKD care at Sutter to slow progression and improve how you feel day to day.

[Find a nephrologist](https://www.sutterhealth.org/find-provider-results?facets=[{%22i%22:%22c_providerSpecialties.specialty.name%22,%22v%22:[%22Nephrology%22]}]&verticalKey=healthcare_professionals)

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