Month: March 2024
Kidney Health Through the Lifespan
If you’re considering a career in renal healthcare or are simply curious about organ functionality, you may have pondered the changes in your kidney health over time. While kidneys would ideally function flawlessly from birth to the golden years, that’s not the case. We experience countless changes as we progress through life, and our renal systems are no exception, undergoing their own evolutionary process.
In this article, we will explore the fundamental functions of the kidneys and how their health can evolve throughout an individual’s lifetime.
What Do the Kidneys Do, Exactly?
Kidney beans earned their name for a reason: They share a resemblance with the two kidneys situated below your rib cage. These fist-sized organs play a crucial role in how your body functions. They’re part of the urinary system, which comprises the bladder, ureters and urethra.
The kidneys’ primary function is to filter about 150 quarts of blood each day, removing waste and maintaining a healthy balance of water, minerals and salts. The filtered waste transforms into urine, which then travels through the ureter to the bladder, ultimately being expelled from the body.
Kidney Health From Infancy to Geriatrics
Below, we break down how your kidneys’ function and overall health alters throughout a person’s lifespan:
Infants
At around 36 weeks in utero, a baby’s kidneys reach structural completion. Despite this, their renal function remains immature, meaning that they’re not yet operating at optimal capacity. Fortunately, in the first few weeks after birth, as the baby adapts to breathing air and feeding, renal function matures rapidly.
Children
Throughout childhood and adolescence, the kidneys typically operate normally, working 24 hours a day to filter blood and eliminate waste from the body. However, some children are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal failure. Approximately 10,000 children in the United States fall under this category and depend on dialysis treatments until they can undergo a kidney transplant.
There are several potential causes of kidney disease in children, including:
- Birth defects
- Hereditary diseases
- Infection
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Urine blockage
Adults
The most effective method for assessing kidney function is by measuring a person’s Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). This measurement indicates how well the glomeruli, the small structures in the kidneys responsible for filtering blood, are functioning.
Most people have their highest (and healthiest) GFR rates around the age of 30, with a number anywhere from 90 to 120. At this point, a person’s GFR usually begins a very gradual decline that will continue dropping for the remainder of their lives. However, a slow decrease in GFR is normal and isn’t usually a cause for concern.
Older Adults
Around the age of 60, a person’s risk of CKD increases as their kidney function decreases. John Hopkins University estimates that more than half of seniors over age 75 have kidney disease. Not all people with kidney disease notice symptoms, so it’s important to schedule regular checkups with your doctor and test for kidney disease annually.
Tips for Maintaining Tip-Top Kidney Health
Besides consulting your primary care physician for assessments of your kidney and overall organ health, there are daily activities you can include in your routine to maintain optimal kidney health:
- Stay hydrated
One way to help your kidneys is by drinking water throughout the day. Being hydrated can help you flush out toxins more quickly and lubricate your joints. It’s a win-win!
- Incorporate a diet for kidney health
Blood pressure plays a role in your kidney health, so try to limit your sodium intake. In addition, focus on heart-healthy foods that minimize the amount of fat building up in your kidneys, such as lean meats, fish, beans, vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products.
- Monitor your blood pressure
Incorporate multiple strategies to keep your blood pressure within a healthy range. Consider adding regular exercise to your schedule, limiting alcohol intake and effectively managing your stress levels. These lifestyle adjustments can help support optimal blood pressure levels, as maintaining normal blood pressure is crucial for safeguarding your kidney health.
- Avoid excess caffeine
We appreciate a hot cup of coffee as much as the next person, but too much caffeine can lead to dehydration, which makes it harder for your kidneys to adequately filter blood. Aim for a maximum of 400 milligrams of caffeine each day, while drinking plenty of water in between caffeinated beverages.
Gain Insight Into Renal Physiology With an Online Graduate Certificate From UF
If you’re interested in kidney health across all age groups, there are numerous career paths in renal medicine to explore, including roles such as nephrologist, renal nurse, transplant coordinator or renal pharmacist.
No matter which career piques your interest, the first step to becoming a medical professional is choosing a graduate program that’ll distinguish you from other med school applicants. That’s where UF comes in.
Our 12-credit online Graduate Certificate in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology is ideal for busy working students interested in gaining a wealth of knowledge about advanced renal physiology and pathophysiology. You can complete the coursework at your own pace, earning your graduate certificate in as little as one year or in a timeframe that aligns with your schedule.
Ready to jumpstart your career in renal medicine? Apply to our graduate certificate program today!
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8006805/
https://nccd.cdc.gov/ckd/AreYouAware.aspx?emailDate=July_2017
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/children
https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/siemens_hcp_gf
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html
Cutting-Edge Insulin Delivery Systems
Insulin, “a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar levels by assisting the transport of glucose from the blood into neighbouring cells,” has traditionally been self-administered by diabetics via an injection in the abdomen. In 2021, the centennial of the discovery of insulin, we take a look at this amazing hormone and just how far insulin delivery has come.
Early Extraction and Experiments
In 1921, insulin was first isolated, removed from a subject’s body and used on another subject with diabetes. When tested on animals and humans, insulin samples were successful in lowering recipients’ glucose (blood sugar) level. This success spurred the mass production of insulin by pharmaceutical companies, who used animal insulin as a foundation until a synthetic version was developed. Insulin produced outside a living body has saved the lives of countless diabetics.
Problems With the Pancreas
The pancreas, a gland that produces insulin, is part of the body’s endocrine system. When a person has Type 1 diabetes, their pancreas does not create insulin. In Type 2 diabetics, the pancreas either doesn’t create a sufficient amount of insulin or the body doesn’t use it correctly. Modern insulin delivery efforts have centered on creating a type of “artificial pancreas” located outside the body but still able to deliver insulin as needed.
The Latest Insulin Delivery Systems
As new automated technologies focused on automatic insulin delivery (AID) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) emerge, the days of having to inject oneself with insulin multiple times daily are in the past for many diabetics. The inconvenience of dealing with needles while at work or running errands has driven the development of devices such as insulin pumps: compact devices capable of delivering a constant supply of insulin through the skin near the abdomen via a small tube or catheter. They can be attached to a belt, an armband or under clothing.
Let’s look at some of these modern methods of insulin delivery and how they have made staying healthy more convenient for diabetics:
First Automated Insulin Delivery System
Just a few short years ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the first automated insulin delivery device, known as the MiniMed 670G. This was essentially the artificial pancreas diabetics had been hoping for, though it did not cure diabetes so much as streamline treatment. The device has a small needle that monitors glucose levels 24/7 and a pump that provides an insulin boost as needed.
First Pediatric Automated Insulin Delivery and Monitoring System
While previous insulin delivery technology was geared toward teen and adult diabetics, in 2020 the FDA approved a device that would provide automated insulin delivery and monitoring for diabetics from ages 2 through 6. The MiniMed 770G allows young children to receive their insulin doses when they’re at daycare or otherwise away from their parents. It’s also beneficial in situations where children may resist receiving injections.
Receiving insulin is not without its dangers. If the dose is too high, it can trigger hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can cause seizures or even death. Among teens and young adults living with Type 1 diabetes, Medtronic’s Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop (AHCL) system has offered greater control over blood sugar levels than previous AID equipment.
AID equipment in development, planned for or already available in 2021 includes less intrusive tubeless models, Bluetooth-enabled devices and pumps that deliver instant information to mobile apps.
Build Expertise in Endocrine System Function and Beyond
The University of Florida’s acclaimed College of Medicine offers online graduate degree and certificate programs with courses dedicated to the endocrine system and other systems of the human body. All programs are delivered entirely online through a virtual classroom that enables you to complete coursework at your own pace, from almost any location. No campus-based classes are required.
Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology
Our online master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology provides comprehensive scientific knowledge about how the human body’s major systems relate to physiology and pharmacology. In addition, our program prepares you for National Board, MCAT and other important exams required for medical school admission and career advancement.
If you’ve already earned a Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology or a Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology from UF, you’re halfway to completion of your master’s degree. Our master’s degree program requires 30 credits and lets you transfer up to 15 credits from either of those graduate certificate programs. As a student in our master’s degree program, you’ll also be able to:
- Complete courses anywhere, at your own pace.
- Skip the GRE.
- Build clinical knowledge that can set you up for success in medical school.
- Collect your degree in as little as one year.
- Apply for financial aid, if needed.
- Add a respected education credential to your resume.
Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology
This graduate certificate program investigates the basics of medical physiology and explores the various systems of the human body. You can complete this 9- to 14-credit program in as little as one semester.
Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology with a specialization in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology
This 12-credit graduate certificate program delivers advanced instruction in cardiovascular and renal physiology and pathophysiology research that will help you in a clinical setting.
Develop your expertise about the systems of the human body in one or more of the University of Florida’s online medical physiology programs.
Sources:
https://diatribe.org/automated-insulin-delivery
https://diatribe.org/tech-horizon-automated-insulin-delivery-systems-coming-2020
https://www.endocrineweb.com/guides/insulin/insulin-pump-overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7261311/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27820140/
https://socratic.org/questions/what-body-system-is-the-pancreas-a-part-of
https://www.biospace.com/article/tubeless-insulin-pump-market-2021-top-trends-statistics-growth-forecasts-2025/
Universal Kidney Dialysis: Challenges and Potential Solutions
Currently, more than 2 million people worldwide undergo recurring dialysis treatments to address their failing kidneys, in hopes that the treatment will help maintain their overall health and well-being. Despite this seemingly significant number, did you know that there are around 18 million people who require dialysis treatments but face challenges in accessing them?
In this article, we’re examining what dialysis is and exploring some possible solutions for the pressing questions posed above, aiming to unravel this underlying healthcare disparity.
What Is Dialysis—and Why Do So Many People Need It?
Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from your blood. When they stop functioning properly due to acute kidney injury or kidney failure, dialysis helps to remove the waste that your kidneys cannot.
Dialysis patients typically undergo their treatments at hospitals, dialysis centers or at home. During each session, blood is drawn from the body through an access area connected by a needle. Once withdrawn, the blood is filtered through a dialysis machine to remove harmful substances before being returned to the body.
Without these treatments, individuals with kidney failure experience a buildup of toxins and potential fluid retention in the body. In such cases, they often exhibit a range of symptoms indicating deteriorating health, including decreased immune function and anemia. Over a period of days or weeks, this greatly increases their risk of death.
What’s the Hold Up? Challenges for Ensuring Dialysis for All
While producing a sufficient number of dialysis machines for all 20 million people in need is a monumental challenge, it’s not the only thing impeding universal dialysis treatment. Other obstacles include:
- Financial barriers
The annual cost of dialysis varies considerably based on your location. In Cameroon, it averages around $1,560 per year, while in the Netherlands, it amounts to approximately $89,958 annually. In the United States, however, the annual cost depends on factors such as individual insurance status, type of dialysis received, and treatment frequency. Often, the financial burden surpasses what the individual undergoing treatments can afford, posing challenges in keeping up with payments.
- Geographic disparities
Unfortunately, not every region in the world has an adequate number of dialysis treatment facilities or machines to treat patients. People who live in remote or underserved areas sometimes find difficulty in receiving treatments on time, often due to longer travel times, logistical challenges and economic struggles.
- Education and Awareness
Sometimes, patients don’t receive information regarding the importance of early intervention and the health-related consequences that can result without treatment. This can lead many individuals to delay seeking medical assistance or foregoing treatment altogether.
Potential Solutions: Making Dialysis Accessible to All
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will the infrastructure that improves dialysis availability. However, with solutions in place and people who work toward enacting them, the hope is that one day, treatments will be more readily available to those who need them.
Below, we explore some of the possible strategies that healthcare providers and researchers can work toward implementing:
- Healthcare Policy Reform
Physicians and healthcare workers can advocate for healthcare policies that support increased funding for renal care. This increases the likelihood that dialysis will be covered by insurance or government programs, alleviating the financial burden currently placed on many patients.
- Preventative Care
There’s no time like the present to emphasize the importance of preventative care and early detection of kidney-related issues. With the help of public health campaigns and increased education, many people have the potential to better understand and monitor their kidney health before the need for dialysis becomes necessary.
- Research and Innovation
Dialysis treatments began in 1945, prolonging and saving hundreds of thousands of lives since their inception. However, with a few innovative efforts from the scientific community, it may be possible to develop more cost-effective and accessible dialysis technologies, such as portable or home-based options.
- Advocacy and Public Support
As an individual in the medical field, you can encourage advocacy efforts that raise public awareness and support for “dialysis for all.” Raise awareness by actively participating in community events, sharing informative resources, and being part of the collective voice that influences policymakers and drives the change you want to see.
Change Starts With You: Forge Your Path at UF
If you’re passionate about global kidney health, you’re not alone. At the University of Florida, we equip like-minded individuals who share that passion and aspire to build a career in cardiovascular and renal physiology.
With an online Graduate Certificate in Medical Physiology specializing in Cardiovascular/Renal Physiology, you’ll gain a competitive advantage among students with similar goals, whether you’re preparing for the MCAT or applying to medical schools.
Our online program consists of 12 credits and can be completed in as little as two semesters, or you can stretch them out to fit your busy schedule. That’s the beauty of being an online student. We afford you the flexibility to complete your work when it’s convenient to you, giving you the time to perfect your work-life balance while earning a top-tier graduate credential to add to your resume.
When you’re ready to start your next chapter, complete your application and embark on a journey toward advancing your expertise in cardiovascular and renal physiology.
Sources:
https://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/global-facts-about-kidney-disease#
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/dialysis-hemodialysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8729831/
