Nutritional Management of Chronic Kidney Disease For Patients not on Dialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant public health problem that has been diagnosed in more than 1.7 million Australians. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are at significantly higher risk of developing CKD.

CKD ranges from early to late stage, and patients will ultimately require dialysis or renal transplant in order to maintain life. Treatment for CKD is aimed at optimising outcomes and delaying disease progression. Lifestyle modifications including nutritional changes are a significant component of CKD management. Nutritional interventions may help to improve biochemistry, nutritional status and body weight, and may delay the progression of renal disease.

This module is aimed at anyone working in an AMS who provides nutritional guidance to people with CKD. It is intended to be an introduction to less experienced staff and a refresher for those with advanced knowledge of dietary interventions used to treat CKD, for patients not on dialysis. The information in this module forms the basis for a future module that will be based on a case study.

At the end of this module participants will be able to:

• Understand the diagnostic criteria and disease progression of CKD.
• Be able to identify the main goals of nutritional management for CKD.
• Understand the limitations of the evidence base available that enables clear identification of recommended dietary modifications for patients with CKD.
• Understand what the dietary modifications recommendations are for patients with CKD.
• Be able to assist a patient to select a suitable dietary menu.