Help Keep Your Kidneys Working Longer with Ochsner Digital Medicine

Your kidneys are amazing organs. They filter waste from your blood, help make vitamin D and absorb iron to keep your blood healthy. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when kidneys do not filter out waste or toxins from the body like they should. Without proper treatment, CKD may lead to kidney failure. 

High blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes are two conditions that affect kidney health. It is important for people with CKD to manage these conditions carefully. 

Ochsner Digital Medicine is now expanding care to help protect your kidneys.  Designed to help you take control of high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes, the program will also focus on slowing CKD progression. 

In this video, Ayaa Zarm, MD, a nephrology specialist, explains how Ochsner Digital Medicine benefits kidney care. The program helps you manage high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, weight, and now, CKD and heart failure away from the clinic. You’ll use easy digital devices to take blood pressure or blood sugar readings at home. Personalized care from a licensed clinician and lifestyle support from a panel of expert health coaches also help you take an active role in your own health. 

As Dr. Zarm explains, CKD gets worse over time, and once the condition reaches a certain point, it’s hard to reverse. Taking early action to help slow it down is key. With Digital Medicine, you can frequently monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar, with readings automatically uploaded to your medical record. This allows your care team to spot potential problems early, so they can adjust your treatment plan. 

“You can then slow that progression of chronic kidney disease down [and] save the kidney for a longer period of time.” Says Dr. Zarm. “That’s the goal.” 

Your Digital Medicine care team will: 

• Track your blood sugar and or blood pressure and adjust medications if needed.
• Create a custom care plan to protect your heart and kidneys.
• Monitor important labs to help keep you in top health.

The program aims to reduce hospital admissions and have you feeling your best. Controlling high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes can slow disease progression to keep your heart and kidneys healthy for years to come.