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The Rest is Kidneys podcast series is brought to you by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL NHS)

In this episode, nephrologists Professor Jeremy Levy and Dr Andrew Frankel, both from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, explore strategies for managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The conversation focuses on essential lifestyle and health interventions to improve kidney health, particularly for patients newly diagnosed with CKD.

The hosts discuss how managing CKD should be viewed in the context of cardiovascular health. They highlight the importance of lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and weight management, which mirror approaches taken for cardiovascular risk. 

Both emphasise the role of patient engagement and education, encouraging patients to take ownership of their health by understanding their blood pressure, glucose levels, and the long-term impacts of CKD.

Blood pressure control is discussed in detail, with a focus on setting personalised targets based on factors such as age, comorbidities, and the severity of kidney disease. Frankel stresses the need for patients to self-monitor their blood pressure and understand their target ranges, typically between 120-140 systolic and less than 90 diastolic, but adjusted for albuminuria or frailty.

The episode also addresses managing diabetes in CKD patients, noting the importance of tight glucose control early in diabetes and the need to relax targets as CKD progresses to avoid hypoglycaemia.

Key takeaways include the critical role of lifestyle interventions, individualised blood pressure management, and tailored glycaemic control. Future episodes will cover specific medications and more advanced treatment strategies for CKD.

We hope you enjoyed this episode.

Resource Links:
NICE GUIDELINES [NG203] chronic kidney disease: assessment and management Overview | Chronic kidney disease: assessment and management | Guidance | NICE

Northwest London CKD guidelines for primary care Chronic kidney disease (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk)

The purpose of this podcast is to inform and educate health care professionals working in the primary care and community setting. The content is evidence based and consistent with NICE guidelines and North West Guidelines available at the time of publication.

The content of this podcast does not constitute medical advice and it is not intended to function as a substitute for a healthcare practitioner’s judgement.

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