Worldwide, 850 million people have chronic kidney disease (CKD) but the vast majority do not even realize they have the disease. CKD is projected to be the 5th leading cause of death by 2040. Proper preventative care and management of risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease can prevent severe complications, kidney failure, and premature mortality. That’s exactly why this year’s theme for World Kidney Day and the entire kidney awareness month of March is “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect early, protect kidney health.”
The Start of National Kidney Month
When Ada DeBold’s son was diagnosed with nephrosis in 1950, there was no cure and limited information about the disease. Ada was determined to fight for her son and her persistence ultimately led to the creation of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). The mission of NKF is to eliminate preventable kidney disease, accelerate innovation, and provide more equitable access to kidney care, including dialysis and transplantation.
National Kidney Month was established to encourage public engagement and support for kidney disease research. Increased attention and research for kidney disease has led to transformative changes in kidney care.
Significant Milestones in Kidney Care
A few of the most significant developments in kidney care include:
- 1943: Invention of Dialysis. Dutch physician Willem Kolff developed the first “artificial kidney,” laying the foundation for modern dialysis treatment.
- 1954: First Successful Kidney Transplant. The inaugural successful kidney transplant was performed between identical twins in Boston, marking a significant breakthrough in organ transplantation.
- 1984: National Organ Transplant Act. This congressional act established the National Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network to address organ shortages and streamline the donation process.
Why National Kidney Month Matters
Despite advancements in medical science, CKD remains a significant public health concern. Approximately 90 percent of patients with CKD are unaware of their condition. Risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history contribute to the prevalence of CKD. For high-risk patients, preventative and proactive care is critical.
National Kidney Month continues to:
- Raise awareness by educating the public about kidney health and the importance of early detection.
- Encourage healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of developing CKD, such as maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Advocate for research and policy changes by supporting initiatives that improve the quality of life for those affected by kidney diseases.
Ongoing Advances in Kidney Care
Our understanding of CKD and potential treatments continue to evolve. In 2023, the American Heart Association officially declared cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome as a condition where cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity overlap. With this knowledge came new screening guidelines and the definition of five stages of CKM with suggested treatments for each phase.
New drugs, including GLP-1s, are also creating new treatment options for slowing the progression of kidney disease. In January of 2025, the FDA approved Ozempic® to reduce the worsening of kidney failure and kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes and CKD.
Researchers are also exploring gene therapy and innovative ways of improving gene delivery to kidneys including IV injection and direct injection into renal veins.
The Role of Remote Patient Monitoring
1 in 3 American adults have three or more risk factors that can lead to CKM syndrome, including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, obesity, and high cholesterol. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) can effectively monitor many of these risk factors.
This not only means proactive care for those who have CKM, but preventative care for those at risk for developing kidney disease. This approach allows for early intervention when abnormalities are detected, helping to slow the progression of kidney disease and improve patient outcomes.
Additionally, RPM empowers patients by providing real-time coaching with clinicians who monitor their health daily. These data-driven insights can lead to better lifestyle choices, improved adherence to prescribed treatments, and increased patient engagement.
Help Your Kidney Patients Take Control of their Health
Kidney disease patients and those with chronic diseases at risk for kidney issues need holistic care across kidney, cardiovascular, and metabolic health. Remote patient monitoring enables that type of care, but effective remote care requires dedicated monitoring clinicians. If you want to provide preventative care but are short on clinical staff, Optimize can help. Contact us to see how our clinical team can provide excellent, affordable, continuous, remote care.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.