#United States #Boehringer Ingelheim #kidney disease #Ridgefield #It Takes 2

The Importance of Awareness in Kidney Health

In a groundbreaking effort to improve kidney health awareness, Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly have partnered to launch the It Takes 2™ initiative. This program addresses the critical importance of comprehensive testing and early diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly for individuals at heightened risk due to conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. Over 35 million adults in the U.S. are estimated to be living with CKD, yet a staggering 90% remain unaware of their condition. The reality is that both type 2 diabetes and hypertension contribute to nearly 66% of kidney disease cases, making awareness and education fundamental to health outcomes.

Understanding CKD

CKD is a progressive disease that can lead to kidney failure, thus requiring dialysis or transplantation. Symptoms often appear late in the disease progression, making early detection through testing crucial. Unfortunately, many people do not receive the necessary tests, with studies indicating that less than 20% of at-risk individuals underwent complete testing between 2013 and 2019. This lack of awareness highlights the urgency of initiatives like It Takes 2™, which encourages individuals to consult their healthcare providers about necessary tests.

Personal Story: Thelma's Journey

One of the campaign's standout advocates is Thelma, a two-time kidney transplant recipient who battled CKD for many years before receiving a diagnosis. Experiencing symptoms like fatigue and swelling from a young age, it took nearly a decade for her condition to be recognized. Thelma's story exemplifies the initiative's mission: to showcase that knowledge truly is power in managing health. Today, she fervently advocates for increased awareness and testing of kidney health, encouraging patients to partner with their doctors to ensure they receive proper evaluations—because, as the campaign suggests, “It Takes 2” people—a proactive patient and an attentive doctor.

Key Testing Strategies

The It Takes 2™ initiative promotes specific tests aimed at evaluating kidney health comprehensively. Primary among these are the eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) blood test and the UACR (Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio) urine test. The latter helps not only in assessing kidney function but also in determining cardiovascular risk. Dr. Charles Vega, a primary care physician involved with the initiative, emphasizes that understanding one’s complete health profile requires more than just one solitary test. He reiterates the significance of these two tests together, affirming that they paint a fuller picture of kidney and cardiovascular health.

A Call to Action

With CKD affecting such a large portion of the population unnoticed, the It Takes 2™ initiative is more than just an awareness program; it is a clarion call for action. Individuals are encouraged to be proactive about their health by requesting comprehensive kidney evaluations and advocating for their well-being. The message is clear: knowledge, coupled with partnership in care, can mitigate the long-term complications associated with kidney disease.

Conclusion

In summation, the collaboration between Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly through the It Takes 2™ initiative serves as a vital reminder of the necessity for health screenings and education in managing chronic conditions like CKD. By raising awareness about the risks associated with kidney disease and promoting essential testing, this initiative hopes to pave the way for healthier futures and better patient outcomes for millions of Americans. For further information and resources on kidney testing, please visit TestYourKidneys.com.