🧬 The Double-Edged Sword Your APOL1 Genes Protected Your Ancestors… But Could Be Harming Your Kidneys Today 🚨 More than 4 MILLION African Americans may carry high-risk APOL1 gene variants—and most don’t even know it. Because testing isn’t routine, silent risk = delayed detection. 🌍 A Hidden Legacy APOL1’s G1 and G2 variants evolved to protect your ancestors from African sleeping sickness. That adaptation saved lives generations ago… But today, it comes with a cost: ⚠️ Higher risk for kidney disease 🧩 Two Copies = Higher Risk If you inherit two APOL1 risk variants (one from each parent), your chance of serious kidney disease skyrockets. 📌 1 in 8 African Americans carry two high-risk variants 📌 Most don’t know—because APOL1 testing isn’t routine ⚠️ Silent Damage APOL1-related kidney disease can start without symptoms. You might feel fine while damage is happening. Most doctors check eGFR (blood test), but APOL1-related damage often shows up first as protein leakage, detected by a uACR urine test. Without both tests + genetic screening, risk stays hidden. 💡 Knowledge = Power Knowing your APOL1 status lets you: ✅ Monitor kidney health ✅ Make lifestyle changes ✅ Join clinical trials ✅ Protect your family, too **Knowing isn’t scary—**not knowing is. 🧬 Take Action Today 👣 Ask your doctor about APOL1 genetic testing 👣 Get eGFR + uACR tests annually 👣 Share this post to spread awareness Your genes aren’t destiny. They’re a signal—to act early, protect your health, and help save lives. 🫶 (fb)

🌟 Know Your Kidney DNA: Why APOL1 Testing Matters 🌟 For Black, African American, Afro-Caribbean & Afro-Latino Families “Your kidneys look fine.” For millions, this reassurance can be misleading. Hidden in your DNA may be a silent risk for kidney disease that disproportionately affects people of West & Central African ancestry: the APOL1 gene. 🧬 The Hidden Risk APOL1 variants — G1 and G2 — helped our ancestors survive African sleeping sickness. But if you inherit two copies, your risk for APOL1-Mediated Kidney Disease (AMKD) increases dramatically. It’s often silent — no symptoms until it’s too late. 📌 Fact: About 13% of African Americans — over 5 million people — carry two APOL1 variants. Most don’t know it. 💡 Why Testing Matters APOL1 genetic testing is the only way to know your risk. With your results, you can: ✅ Monitor kidney health early (eGFR + uACR tests) ✅ Talk to your doctor about preventive care ✅ Protect your family through shared screening ✅ Explore clinical trials for APOL1-targeted treatments ⚠️ The Testing Gap APOL1 testing isn’t routine. Many doctors don’t mention it, but testing is available — including free options for those with a family history of kidney disease. 🩺 How to Get Tested 1️⃣ Ask your doctor for APOL1 testing (G1 & G2 variants) 2️⃣ Share results with family — they may share the same risk 3️⃣ Discuss next steps like regular kidney screening 🔑 Early Knowledge = Power Testing positive doesn’t mean you’ll get kidney disease. Only 15–20% with two variants develop AMKD — but knowing your status gives you a head start. Don’t wait for symptoms. Ask. Get tested. Protect your future. #KnowYourKidneyDNA #APOL1 #KidneyHealth #BlackHealthMatters #AMKD #GeneticTesting (fb)