Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness: Is Our Health All About the Numbers?

Symbols, integers, measures—these are just a few of the terms that help us define numbers. The quality of these definitions relies on our research objectives and sources. While definitions may not provide absolute identities, they can guide us in how we learn and understand numbers. But is our health solely about the numbers? 

Kidney Contenders® monitors medical science and regulatory data related to health and wellness within the human anatomy. Such medical science data can yield calculation results illustrating the population's dependence on the quality versus quantity of health and wellness. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant health topic for Kidney Contenders®. According to a 2019 report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 15% of US adults (around 37 million people) are estimated to have CKD. The US population worldometer website notes that there are over 328 million people living in the United States as of March 21. The primary causes for diagnosis that present high percentages are diabetes and high blood pressure—diabetes contributes to CKD in 38% of cases, while high blood pressure accounts for 26%, leaving 36% attributed to other or unknown causes. Why are these numbers crucial? CKD is a serious illness, and real illnesses can have fatal consequences. 

The prevalence of CKD and the number of individuals affected by this illness are staggering. Without daily health monitoring by a licensed medical professional equipped with advanced medical technology, individuals must understand these numbers. Numbers become particularly significant for those already affected by illnesses like CKD. Once diagnosed, we often seek resolutions, yet a proactive approach through studying available numerical data could have been beneficial. 

"In a medical study involving males and females aged 60 and over, 1 in every 4 will meet the diagnosis of CKD. Not everyone will require dialysis; some are at high risk for progression, while others are at low risk," says Matthew Sparks, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. 

How much data must we examine to determine our health status and identify potential dangers from illnesses like CKD? How can we ascertain the accuracy of the data? 

This largely depends on our desire to understand our bodies and how our organs, particularly our kidneys, function. The molecular development of the human body is intricate, with various genes playing roles in kidney physiology. Unless we have a passion for delving into the complex mathematical breakdown of our molecular development and sustainability, our focus tends to remain on simpler numbers. Regulatory data indeed provides straightforward numbers for those without medical expertise. We can also gauge the accuracy of data through regulatory monitoring conducted by the United States federal government. 

"There are extensive controls in pre-clinical development," states Professor Al Jacks from the Food & Drug Law program at the University of Georgia. 

Regulatory data ensures oversight regarding how health and wellness can be achieved through legal means. Many focus on new drugs as temporary fixes or resolutions for health issues. New drugs are not marketed without thorough research and surveillance by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA outlines five steps essential for the drug development process and approval. Multiple tests are required during the preclinical research phase before drugs can be trialed on humans. Medical devices also fall under regulatory policies. For instance, the MediBeacon medical device, which measures transdermal Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), is utilized by clinicians to monitor renal function. In October 2018, the FDA designated MediBeacon as a "Breakthrough Device" for expedited regulatory review, although it is not yet approved for human use. These actions are undertaken by the FDA to safeguard our health and ensure that only the most effective and safe drugs are available. 

Should we study various data fields to gain a better understanding of our health? Yes, we should. These data sources, while distinct, coexist to help us comprehend the underlying factors that can influence our health and wellness. The key is to interpret this data accurately and without misconceptions.