Kidney Disease Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Each year, hundreds of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with kidney disease or urinary tract problems. In West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing concern, especially among adults with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Cold winters, less physical activity, and higher rates of hypertension in Michigan all increase kidney disease risk.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, you can access kidney care through major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, as well as community resources like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health.

What Is Kidney Disease?

Your kidneys are two bean‑shaped organs located in your lower back. They act as your body’s natural filtration system.

Healthy kidneys:

  • Filter your blood about 12 times per hour
  • Remove extra water, waste products, and toxins
  • Produce urine
  • Help control blood pressure
  • Balance salts and minerals (like sodium, potassium, and calcium)
  • Make hormones that support red blood cell production and bone health

Kidney disease happens when your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood effectively. Waste and extra fluid then build up in your body, which can affect your heart, blood vessels, bones, and overall health.

Why Kidney Disease Is Called a “Silent Disease”

Kidney disease is often called a silent disease because most people have few or no symptoms in the early stages. You can lose up to 90% of kidney function before noticing problems.

Possible Signs and Symptoms

As kidney disease progresses, you may notice:

  • Changes in how often you urinate, especially at night (usually more at first)
  • Changes in the appearance of urine (foamy, dark, or blood‑tinged)
  • Puffiness or swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or around the eyes (edema)
  • Tiredness and difficulty concentrating
  • High blood pressure
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Itching
  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Dull pain in your back under the lower ribs (where the kidneys sit)
  • Bad breath or a metallic taste in your mouth

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice these symptoms, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, contact your primary care provider or a local health system (Spectrum/Corewell, Trinity, Metro Health, Mercy Health) as soon as possible.

Why Early Detection Matters

In many cases, if kidney disease is detected early, its progression can be slowed or even prevented from reaching kidney failure. Early treatment often includes:

  • Medication to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
  • Changes in diet and fluid intake
  • Stopping smoking
  • Regular monitoring of kidney function

When kidney function drops to less than 10% of normal, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Dialysis and Kidney Transplant in Grand Rapids

If your kidneys fail (also called end‑stage kidney disease or ESKD), you may need:

Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment that uses a machine or a special fluid in the abdomen to:

  • Remove waste products from your blood
  • Remove extra water and salt
  • Help control blood pressure

There are two main types of dialysis:

  • Hemodialysis – blood is filtered through a machine
  • Peritoneal dialysis – a cleansing fluid is put into the abdomen and then drained

Dialysis services are available across Grand Rapids through:

  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) dialysis centers
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids nephrology and dialysis programs
  • Independent dialysis centers in Kent County

Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant replaces a failing kidney with a healthy one from a donor. Transplant evaluation and follow‑up are typically coordinated through regional transplant centers in Michigan, often in partnership with local nephrologists in Grand Rapids.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Kidney Disease?

You are at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease if you:

  • Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Have diabetes (type 1 or type 2)
  • Have heart disease or a history of heart attack or stroke
  • Are over 60 years old
  • Are obese (body mass index > 30)
  • Smoke or use tobacco
  • Have a family history of kidney failure
  • Have had an episode of acute kidney injury in the past

In Michigan, high rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity—combined with winter‑related inactivity—make CKD more common, especially in urban areas like Grand Rapids.

How Kidney Disease and High Blood Pressure Are Connected

High Blood Pressure Can Cause Kidney Disease

Untreated or poorly controlled high blood pressure can:

  • Damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys
  • Narrow the main arteries to one or both kidneys (renal artery stenosis)
  • Gradually reduce kidney function

Kidney Disease Can Cause High Blood Pressure

Your kidneys help regulate:

  • The amount of fluid in your blood vessels
  • Hormones like renin that control blood pressure

When kidneys are damaged, they may:

  • Retain too much salt and water
  • Overproduce or misregulate hormones
  • Cause or worsen high blood pressure

This creates a dangerous cycle: high blood pressure damages the kidneys, and kidney disease further raises blood pressure.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

In the Grand Rapids area and across Michigan, diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.

  • About 20–30% of people with diabetes develop diabetic nephropathy, a type of kidney disease caused by long‑term high blood sugar.
  • Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant.

Uncontrolled diabetes can also worsen:

  • Nerve damage (neuropathy)
  • Eye disease (retinopathy)
  • Cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel disease)

If you have diabetes, regular kidney health checks are essential. Most primary care and endocrinology clinics in Grand Rapids can order these tests.

Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular (Heart) Risk

People with chronic kidney disease are 2–3 times more likely to develop cardiovascular problems, such as:

  • Angina (chest pain)
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Heart failure
  • Stiff arteries
  • Blood clots

How Kidney Disease Increases Heart Risk

Kidney disease affects the heart and blood vessels in several ways:

  • Blood pressure regulation: Damaged kidneys may produce abnormal levels of hormones like renin, causing high blood pressure.
  • Fluid overload: Extra fluid in the body strains the heart and can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy (enlarged heart chamber) and heart failure.
  • Calcium and bone metabolism: Kidney disease can cause calcium and phosphate imbalances, leading to calcified (stiffened) arteries and heart valves.
  • Cholesterol problems: Many people with CKD have elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.
  • Blood clotting: Blood in some types of CKD is more prone to clotting, which can cause:
    • Heart attack
    • Stroke
    • Clots in kidney arteries, which may raise blood pressure

Because of this strong connection, managing kidney disease in Grand Rapids often involves close coordination between nephrologists and cardiologists at local health systems.

How Kidney Disease Is Diagnosed

If your doctor in Grand Rapids suspects kidney disease, they will usually order a kidney health check, which may include:

1. Urine Tests

  • Albumin (protein) test – checks for albumin (a type of protein) in your urine.
  • Urine albumin‑to‑creatinine ratio (urine ACR) – preferred test for detecting protein in the urine.

A urine ACR test should be done:

  • At least once a year if you have diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Every two years if you have other risk factors for CKD

Your urine sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Most clinics and labs in Grand Rapids, including those at Spectrum/Corewell and Trinity Health, can perform these tests.

2. Blood Tests

Blood tests check:

  • Creatinine – a waste product from muscle; used to estimate your glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
  • GFR – the best measure of kidney function
    • Normal: > 90 mL/min/1.73 m²
    • If GFR is < 60 mL/min/1.73 m² for at least 3 months, this confirms chronic kidney disease
  • Other blood abnormalities, such as:
    • Anaemia (low red blood cells or haemoglobin)
    • Acidosis (high levels of acids)
    • High potassium (hyperkalaemia)
    • Low sodium (hyponatraemia)
    • Changes in calcium and other minerals

3. Blood Pressure Check

Because kidney disease and high blood pressure are closely linked, your provider will:

  • Check your blood pressure regularly
  • Set a target range for your blood pressure
  • Adjust medication as needed

4. Imaging Tests

Imaging helps doctors see the size, shape, and structure of your kidneys and urinary tract. Tests may include:

  • Ultrasound – sound waves create images of the kidneys and bladder; can show:
    • Kidney size
    • Kidney stones
    • Blocked blood vessels
    • Cysts or masses
  • X‑rays – may be used to look for kidney stones or structural problems
  • CT (Computed Tomography) scan – uses x‑rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the urinary tract
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce 3D images of the kidneys and urinary tract

These imaging tests are widely available at hospitals and imaging centers throughout Grand Rapids.

5. Biopsy

A kidney biopsy may be recommended to confirm the type and cause of kidney disease:

  • A doctor inserts a special needle through the back under local anesthesia to remove a small sample of kidney tissue.
  • The tissue is examined under a microscope to:
    • Identify the type of kidney disease
    • Assess the extent of damage

A bladder biopsy may also be done if abnormalities are seen in the bladder, often during:

  • Cystoscopy – a procedure where a thin tube with a camera (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to look for problems and, if needed, take tissue samples.

Symptoms That Should Prompt a Kidney Check

Talk to your doctor in Grand Rapids if you notice:

  • Blood in your urine (haematuria)
  • Persistent frothy or foamy urine
  • Swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or around your eyes
  • Changes in how often you urinate, especially at night
  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Dull back pain under the lower ribs
  • High blood pressure
  • Feeling unusually tired or unable to concentrate
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent itching
  • Generally feeling unwell without a clear cause

Early evaluation at a local clinic, urgent care, or hospital can protect your kidney function.

Treatment for Kidney Disease

Treatment depends on the cause and stage of kidney disease. In Grand Rapids, treatment is usually coordinated between your primary care doctor and a nephrologist (kidney specialist).

Common Treatment Approaches

  • Blood pressure control

    • Medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs
    • Often more than one blood pressure medicine is needed
    • Doses may be adjusted over time

  • Diabetes management

    • Tight blood sugar control
    • Medications, insulin, and lifestyle changes

  • Cholesterol management

    • Statins and other medications to reduce LDL cholesterol

  • Dietary changes

    • Limiting salt, saturated fat, and processed foods
    • Adjusting protein, potassium, and phosphorus intake depending on kidney function

  • Lifestyle changes

    • Quitting smoking
    • Maintaining a healthy weight
    • Regular physical activity

  • Dialysis or transplant

    • When kidney function falls below 10–15% of normal

Early referral to a nephrologist at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health can help prevent or delay kidney failure.

Healthy Lifestyle Tips to Protect Your Kidneys

These steps are especially important in Michigan, where long winters can reduce activity levels and increase blood pressure risk.

Eat a Kidney‑Friendly Diet

  • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Include legumes (beans, peas, lentils)
  • Choose whole grains such as:
    • Whole‑grain bread
    • Brown rice
    • Whole‑wheat pasta
    • Oats
  • Choose lean proteins:
    • Skinless chicken
    • Fish (including Great Lakes fish, prepared in healthy ways)
    • Small portions of lean red meat
  • Limit:
    • Salty foods (chips, canned soups, fast food)
    • Fatty and fried foods
    • Processed meats (bacon, sausage, deli meats)
  • Drink water as your main beverage
  • Minimize sugary soft drinks and energy drinks

If you already have kidney disease, a renal dietitian in Grand Rapids can help tailor your diet to your lab results and stage of CKD.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Aim for a BMI under 30 if possible
  • Stay active year‑round:
    • In winter, use indoor options like gyms, community centers, or home exercise
    • Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days (walking, cycling, swimming, or low‑impact exercise)

Control Your Blood Pressure

  • Take blood pressure medications exactly as prescribed
  • Check your blood pressure at home if your doctor recommends it
  • Limit salt intake
  • Keep regular follow‑up appointments with your Grand Rapids provider

Don’t Smoke

  • If you don’t smoke, don’t start
  • If you do smoke, quitting will:
    • Improve blood flow to your kidneys
    • Lower blood pressure
    • Reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke

Ask your doctor about local smoking cessation programs or call Michigan’s quitline services for support.

Limit Alcohol

  • Drink alcohol only in moderation, if at all
  • Excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and damage kidneys over time

Manage Stress

  • Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and worsen kidney disease
  • Try:
    • Deep breathing exercises
    • Yoga or stretching
    • Walking outdoors on Grand Rapids’ trails when weather allows
    • Counseling or support groups if needed

Local Kidney Health Resources in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids metro area, you can access kidney disease screening, education, and treatment through:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor)
  • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) nephrology services
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids kidney and hypertension clinics
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health nephrology services
  • Mercy Health kidney care and dialysis centers
  • Kent County Health Department – community health programs and referrals
  • Grand Rapids Public Health – local health education and support programs

National organizations such as Kidney Health and the National Kidney Foundation also provide education and support for people living with kidney disease.

Key Points About Kidney Disease in Grand Rapids

  • Kidney disease is a silent disease – many people have no symptoms until advanced stages.
  • You can lose up to 90% of kidney function before noticing symptoms.
  • Early detection through urine tests, blood tests, and blood pressure checks can slow or prevent progression.
  • High blood pressure and diabetes—both common in Michigan—are the leading causes of chronic kidney disease.
  • Chronic kidney disease greatly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the most common cause of death in people with ongoing kidney disease.
  • Healthy lifestyle choices, regular checkups, and early specialist care in Grand Rapids can protect your kidneys and your heart.

If you are concerned about your kidney health, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a local nephrology clinic in Grand Rapids for a kidney health check.