Table 3.

Health advice for ADTKD patients

What can I do for my health if I have ADTKD?

Lifestyle

Eat a low salt (sodium) diet with a lower protein content. The ‘DASH’ diet, a ‘plant-based’ diet and the ‘Mediterranean’ diet all have the most evidence for health benefits in kidney disease [15–17]

Don’t smoke

Exercise/move regularly in any way that suits you [18]

Having a healthy weight will make you more likely to be eligible for a kidney transplant and prevent more rapid decline in your kidney function [19]

Prioritise good quality sleep and limit stress in any way that works for you

Check your blood pressure regularly (you can buy a home monitor or do this via your GP practice) and notify your doctor with the results at each visit or if the readings become higher

Health care

Attend your kidney clinic appointments to help you manage symptoms, cardiovascular risk and prepare you for kidney transplantation if you need it

Family planning

Discuss family planning with your kidney doctor early so that preparations can be made to ensure as safe a pregnancy as possible for mother and baby

Preimplantation testing of embryos for ADTKD might be available so discuss this with your kidney doctor prior to pregnancy to see if it is possible (if you wish to consider this)