Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity." Hippocrates

What contributes to Diabetes Type 2 (i.e., high blood sugar), hypertension (i.e., high blood pressure), and chronic kidney disease (i.e., the kidneys losing their ability to function effectively)?

There are modifiable (e.g., epigenetic) and non-modifiable (e.g., genetic) factors that increase the risk of acquiring CKD in underserved populations (Greer & Boulware, 2015; National Kidney Foundation [NKF], 2024; Tuot & Grubbs, 2015). Factors, such as where people live, can influence the quality of care they receive, which can potentially have a negative impact on their health (Greer & Boulware, 2015; NKF, 2024; Tuot & Grubbs, 2015). Persons living in underserved communities may be at risk of acquiring CKD for various reasons (e.g., social, medical, or environmental). For example, there are environmental factors (e.g., breathing contaminated air, drinking contaminated water, not having access to healthy foods, lack of access to transportation services, smoking cigarettes etc.); social factors (e.g., stress related to interpersonal relationships, lack of education; lack of family support), and medical factors (e.g., experiencing discrimination, not having access to proper care, local policy issues, etc.) Quality improvement initiatives are necessary to improve care delivery and health outcomes in under-resourced communities with CKD. On the other hand, persons may have non-modifiable factors (genetics) contributing to chronic kidney disease or end-stage disease. Some people may have acquired chronic kidney disease due to polycystic kidney disease, glomerular nephritis, risk of kidney stones, and lupus, among other genetic diseases.

Who is at risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease?

• Persons experiencing high levels of stress (in a constant fight-or-flight response) often experience increased blood pressure.

• Persons having a sedentary lifestyle (unable or choosing not to exercise, persons sitting at a desk for long periods).

• Persons who are unable to or choose not to eat well (high work demands, easy access to fast foods, poor diet education, lack of access to healthy foods, etc.).

• People who are not adequately educated on diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease prevention.

• Persons taking medication or infections can have a negative effect on persons kidney function,

What can a person do to prevent acquiring diabetes and hypertension, which can lead to chronic kidney disease?

• Change lifestyle (improve diet and exercise).

• Seek support (coach, healthcare provider, family, or friend).

• Monitor your blood pressure and glucose (blood sugar), and obtain other laboratory values to assess your kidney function (i.e., BUN, Creatine, GFR).

Here are other resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022). Chronic kidney disease basics. https:/hwww.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/basics.html

National Kidney Foundation (2024). Social Determinants of Health and Chronic Kidney Disease. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/social-determinants-health-and-chronic-kidney-disease

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or legal advice. We are not responsible for any damages resulting from or related to your use of this information.