Kidney disease can strike anyone, but certain criteria make it more likely. People who are more likely to contract kidney disease include people with a family history of kidney disease, diabetics, people with high blood pressure and aged people. Kidney disease can be lethal if it is not diagnosed and treated properly. Proper functioning of the kidneys is life sustaining. The kidneys flush out toxins in the body as well as releases fluid (through urination); help maintain blood pressure, makes red blood cells and aid in healthy bones. Symptoms of kidney disease include fatigue/tiredness, inability to focus, lessened desire for food, sleep deprivation, night cramps, inflammation of feet and hands, puffy eyes (most noticeable upon awakening), dry skin and greater frequency in urination. The presence of these symptoms should spur patients on to a visit with their family doctor. The first most general reasons people get kidney disease is Diabetes. The second highest reason people contract kidney disease is high blood pressure. High blood pressure is easier to detect than diabetes and can also cause heart issues. Detecting to onset of kidney disease early enables doctors and patients to halt the advancement of further damage to the kidneys. Failure to act in halting the disease can lead to serious damage of the kidneys. If kidneys enter the renal failure stage, the options are limited. Those options include dialysis and kidney transplant. Patients who are diagnosed with kidney disease have many options to slow or stop the progression of the disease. A change in diet is necessary as well as many other factors. People with kidney disease can live a full life and the prognosis is excellent for patients who follow specific directions of their physicians. If any risk factors exist, it is important to ask the doctor for three particular tests. The tests include blood pressure, urine protein test and creatinine blood test. The doctor can diagnose kidney disease with these three tests which allow the patient to obtain the proper care.