Welcome to the Chronic Kidney Disease Insider Newsletter. If you are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, have had a kidney transplant or are helping care for someone who is, this newsletter was created for you! The CKD Insider Newsletter provides actionable information for you and your family to help you manage your health in consultation with your doctor.
In this month’s CKD Insider:
Latest News from Kidney Organizations
AAKP’s new patient education pocket guide"Managing Infection Risks for Dialysis Patients with Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Access."
This American Association of Kidney Patients developed this quick guide to help you understand your risks for infection, how to manage them, and what questions you should ask your physician at your next appoint.
RSN Kidney Fitness weekly virtual class
The Renal Support Networks Weekly excercise class with personal trainer is designed to keep you in good shape with simple excercises. You can join for a half hour or one hour as you want. Please clear with your doctor that you are ok with light stretching and excersie before joining.
Monday March 3 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm PST
Sign up here.
NKF - GNY Understanding your Kidneys, Kidney Disease and IgA
The National Kidney Foundation Greater NY group is hosting a Wednesday, March 12 for a virtual presentation to understand the important role kidneys play in keeping you healthy and what happens when your kidneys stop working. In addition to general kidney disease awareness, they will also take a deep dive into a rare kidney disease called IgA Nephropathy (IgAN). "IgAN is a rare autoimmune disease that results in chronic kidney injury that eventually can lead to kidney failure for the majority of patients. Information from this presentation can be used for discussion with a doctor about the disease."
March 12, 2025
7:00 -8:00 pm EST
Register here.
AKPSG Support Group Meeting
All Kidney Patients Support Group (AKPSG) is a non-profit organization, established in the Tampa Bay, Florida area to support kidney patients at various stages of kidney disease and transplantation. Join their monthly zoom meeting to hear about other people's experiences and learn about the latest local events.
Monthly Support Group Zoom Meeting
Sunday, March 30th 3:30pmEST
Register here.
This group also helps out with free food distributions.
March 18, 2025Â Â Â Â
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EST
Every Third Tuesday of the Month Time: 4pm- 6pm Location: Daystar Life Center 1055 28th Street South, St. Pete FL 33712. Complete the form to register here.
Your Fun Tip of the Day
Daylight Savings & Better Sleep: 6 Tips
If your clocks are about to jump forward, you will be loosing an hour of sleep—an adjustment that can be tough. To get back on track, try these six sleep-improving tips:
Stick to a Schedule – Keep consistent sleep and wake times (7-9 hours recommended).
Cool Down – Your body sleeps best at 65°F/18°C.
Limit Light – Dim lights an hour before bed, avoid screens, and use blackout shades.
Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine – Especially in the afternoon and evening.
Wind Down – Create and stick to a relaxing bedtime routine.
Trouble Sleeping? – If you can’t sleep in 20-25 minutes, get up and do something calming.
For deeper insights, check out the book Why We Sleep by Matt Walker or his TED Talk Sleep is Your Superpower. If you have sleep apnea or insomnia, consult a doctor.
Erectile Dysfunction in Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis Patients Review
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What it is:Â A recent article provides a comprehensive analysis of current diagnostic approaches, including clinical assessment tools, laboratory evaluations, and imaging modalities that aid in identifying the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) in CKD patients.
CKD contributes to Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in a variety of ways, including indirectly through increased stress, vascular issues, and hormonal imbalances. There are a variety of options for addressing CKD-related ED, including medications, non-pharmaceutical treatments, and kidney transplantation.
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Why it’s important: Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is common in CKD patients (47.6% and 70.8%) but is often not diagnosed. Patients report ED as negatively affecting their quality of life.Â
This article recommends that clinicians adopt a holistic approach, incorporating lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and psychological support, as each element is equally essential in treating this condition. If you are experiencing ED speak with your health care provider about treatments available. Below are a few options, there is always new research so keep an eye out for the latest options.
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Treatment Options:
PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil and tadalafil. (Note: these are less effective in those with CKD.)
Testosterone replacement
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)Â
Kidney transplantation
Observing Ramadan with CKD or After Kidney Transplantation
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Observation of Ramadan (February 28th – March 29th, 2025) is integral to the religious practice of many Muslims. During Ramadan, most Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise until sunset during the holy month. However, for those with kidney disease on dialysis or who have received a recent kidney transplantation, fasting can be extremely dangerous. However, there are ways to safely observe Ramadan, without putting your health at risk.
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For some, fasting under medical observation may be an option. Check your risk level and talk to your provider. Those with Stage 1, 2, or 3 CKD or post-transplantation with stable kidney function are at a lower risk, while patients on dialysis or who have unstable kidney function following transplantation are at a very high risk.Â
An alternative fasting schedule could be suitable. Alternating days or shortening the fasting window may be options. Always discuss these plans with your provider.
If you do fast, consider the impact of breaking your fast and the foods you will consume. The same concerns apply, like potassium levels, portion sizes, and proper hydration.
As an alternative to fasting, a religious donation (Fidyah) to a charity to feed those in need could be a suitable alternative.
Though fasting is an important component of Ramadan, there are other aspects of Ramadan observation that are safe. Ramadan is a period for Muslims to engage in spiritual reflection, charitable giving, and strengthening bonds with family, community, and God. Find ways to give back to your community, spend time reflecting, and strengthen your relationships.
Latest study: SGLT2 Inhibitors Provide Benefits for CKD Even After Discontinuing Treatment (For people with CKD not on dialysis)
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What it is: The introduction of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors like empagliflozin, have revolutionized treatment options for those with chronic kidney disease. The EMPA-KIDNEY trial demonstrated that empagliflozin significantly reduces the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular death in CKD patients not on dialysis. Now, follow-up studies confirmed that patients experience these sustained benefits even after discontinuation of treatment, though the effects were somewhat reduced over time.
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Why it’s important: Cardiovascular events like myocardial infarction are significantly more common in those with CKD. SGLT2 inhibitors continue to show significant benefits for kidney diseases progression and cardiovascular events. However, they are still not widely prescribed, indicating that many more people could benefit from their use.
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