The kidneys play a major role in removing waste from the bloodstream, producing hormones, and regulating electrolyte and fluid levels. Kidney disease can occur from conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure and leads to kidney failure if not treated. In kidney failure, waste builds up as the kidneys shut down, requiring dialysis or transplantation to continue living. Dialysis involves either hemodialysis, which filters blood outside the body, or peritoneal dialysis, which uses the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen to filter blood.