When we think of life-changing moments, we often imagine accidents or a cancer diagnosis. However, for the 360 Americans who start dialysis daily, it’s the sudden news of kidney failure that changes everything. Dialysis is life-saving but draining, costly, and drastically impacts quality of life. Many are shocked by this diagnosis, having had no prior knowledge of their illness.

CKD is a leading cause of death in the U.S., known as a “silent killer” because it shows no early symptoms. About 37 million Americans have CKD, but 90% are unaware. Even among those with severely reduced kidney function, 1 in 3 remains unaware until it’s too late.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

Early identification of at-risk individuals and conversations about kidney health can help prevent kidney failure and the need for dialysis. Risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are well-known. Therefore, it’s possible to identify who should be tested for CKD early on.

This is crucial now more than ever because new therapies are promising. For instance, recent trials show that semaglutide, found in Ozempic and Wegovy, can reduce kidney and heart complications in people with Type 2 diabetes and CKD.

However, these treatments work best when patients actively manage their care. Patients need to be informed, equipped with skills, and confident to take steps like regular testing, adhering to medications, and making lifestyle changes. A study in the American Journal of Accountable Care with The National Kidney Foundation emphasized this point.

A survey of 4,445 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension revealed that two-thirds were unaware of their CKD risk. Even eight years post-diagnosis, only half recognized the risk.

A major issue is the lack of discussion about kidney health between doctors and patients. Only 60% of diabetic patients and 40% of hypertensive patients recall discussing kidney health with their physician. Such conversations are more likely with patients who are more engaged in their health management.

Activated patients, those who are informed and proactive about their health, tend to have better outcomes. They’re more likely to discuss kidney health with their doctors and understand the link between their conditions and CKD. This leads to early preventive actions like healthy eating and exercise.

During the initial period of a diabetes or hypertension diagnosis, awareness and proactive behavior significantly impact health outcomes. Doctors, often overwhelmed, might prioritize immediate health issues over preventive care. However, informed patients are likelier to ask about CKD and manage their health effectively, such as controlling salt intake and adhering to medication.

Improving patient activation is a key strategy to slow CKD progression.

The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) is gaining traction in supporting CKD patients post-diagnosis. Programs like the CMS Innovation Center’s Kidney Care Choices (KCC) Model are implementing patient activation strategies. CMS also included patient activation in its Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) across various specialties, including kidney health.

Helping CKD patients self-manage can slow disease progression, making home dialysis or transplants viable options if needed. But early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial before their kidney health deteriorates, making treatment less costly and preserving quality of life.

There are several ways to detect CKD early, including increasing patient activation and fostering patient-provider conversations about kidney health. Personalized messages at the point of care can prompt more discussions with providers. Public health campaigns can encourage patients to initiate these conversations, and automated reminders for providers can ensure CKD testing is discussed.

These interventions are relatively simple compared to the intensive treatment required for kidney failure and can save many lives. More conversations mean more CKD screening, leading to preventive medications and behaviors.

Preventive treatments are available—no one should learn about CKD after their kidneys have failed. The key is empowering patients to take an active role in their care through life-saving conversations with their providers.

Source: MedCity News