Kidney Disease: Steve Edelman's Own Nephrologist Explains

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, but here’s the tricky part: you can have it for years without feeling any symptoms. The good news? Kidney disease can often be detected early, and with the right screening, treatments, and lifestyle changes, its progression can be dramatically slowed. 

In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman and Dr. Jeremy Pettus are joined by nephrologist Dr. Bethany Karl to break down what everyone with diabetes should know about kidney health. Dr. E also steps into the patient seat to share his own experience living with chronic kidney disease, from discovering it without symptoms to navigating kidney tests and newer treatments. Together, they explain the two simple tests that can uncover kidney problems, why blood pressure and cardiovascular health matter, and how today’s growing toolbox of medications is giving people with diabetic kidney disease more reasons for hope.

Key Topics:

• Why chronic kidney disease is often a “silent” complication of diabetes
• How diabetes can affect the kidneys over time
• Dr. Edelman’s personal experience with diabetic kidney disease
• The two important kidney tests: eGFR and UACR
• Why urine protein can be an important early warning sign
• How often people with diabetes should have their kidneys screened
• The connection between glucose, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart health, and kidney health
• Lifestyle considerations for protecting kidney function
• Medications that can help slow the progression of diabetic kidney disease
• Newer kidney-protective therapies and why there is more reason for optimism today

✨ Subscribe for practical diabetes management tips, technology updates, and treatment breakthroughs that help people with diabetes live healthier, more flexible lives.

More diabetes resources:
Website: tcoyd.org
Blog: tcoyd.org/blog
Podcast: tcoydthepodcast.transistor.fm
Instagram:   / tcoyd
Facebook:   / tcoyd

Stay connected! Sign up for our monthly newsletter here!
Support TCOYD's educational programs: tcoyd.org/donate

★ Support this podcast ★