Meet mild, reversible acute kidney injury (AKI) — a sudden loss of kidney function that can go away within 24 hours, or if unchecked can lead to chronic kidney failure, dialysis, or transplant.

It can be triggered by dehydration, reduced blood flow to the kidneys caused by heart failure, blocked urine flow, or damage to the kidneys from medication, a toxin, or physical trauma.

Because it's related to Type 2 diabetes and age — we're experiencing an epidemic of diabetes and our population is getting increasingly older — the rate of AKI has tripled since 2007.

Fortunately, promptly administering fluids and antibiotics, and/or stopping damaging medication can help restore nearly normal kidney function.

But even mild AKI can have longer-term repercussions. A study in the journal Kidney Medicine shows that in older people, mild and reversible AKI is associated with an increased risk for cognition problems, especially among those who also have serious cardiovascular disease.

To reduce your risk for AKI, you want to control or reverse Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and stay well-hydrated (use sugarless sports drinks to replenish electrolytes when sweating).

And be aware of adverse reactions to DAMN (Diuretics, the blood pressure meds called ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers, Metformin, and NSAIDs). These drugs are especially AKI-risky.

When AKI causes symptoms, they may include reduced urination, swollen legs, shortness of breath, confusion, belly or side pain, irregular heartbeat, and nausea. If you have symptoms, see a doctor right away.

For long-range kidney health, check out our book "YOU: An Owner's Manual, revised."