Kidney disease cannot be cured, but the right steps may slow it down. Controlling blood pressure is the single most important action you can take. If you have diabetes, meeting your blood sugar goals also helps protect your kidneys. What you eat matters too — choose foods with less salt, and limit foods high in potassium and phosphorus. Staying physically active, keeping a healthy weight, and not smoking are all part of protecting your kidneys. Take medicines as your care team prescribes. Avoiding medicines that can injure the kidneys is also important. Your care team can track your kidney health with a blood test called GFR (a measure of how well your kidneys filter blood) and a urine test that checks for albumin (a protein that leaks out when kidneys are damaged). A registered dietitian who specializes in kidney disease can help you build an eating plan. Talk with your care team about which steps apply to your situation.