Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults (an estimated 37 million Americans) and the leading cause of CKD is diabetes. Bringing together experts in kidney disease care with experts in diabetes treatment provides a powerful way to manage kidney health which is why Sierra Nevada Nephrology has created a new multi-specialty brand, Sierra Nevada Specialty Care (SNSC).
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Comprised of Sierra Nevada Nephrology and Sierra Nevada Endocrinology, SNSC offers patients better continuity of care and coordination between subspecialties in the management of their diabetes and kidney disease. It also may provide patients with a better quality of life. According to a study conducted by clinical researcher Serena Low, patients with type 2 diabetes and stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease who attended a joint endocrinologist-nephrologist diabetic kidney disease clinic were less likely to progress to end-stage renal disease than similar patients seen at a diabetes center with no integrated endocrinology care. Both patient groups were followed for three years.
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The benefits of combing nephrology and endocrinology in one practice extend beyond diabetes management. In addition to its role removing waste and fluid from the body, kidneys have multiple roles in the endocrine system, the system endocrinologists specialize in. The kidneys secrete various hormones and produce enzymes. They are also the primary target organ for various hormones and are affected by hormonal diseases.
At SNSC, a team of endocrinology providers collaborate with a team of nephrologists to manage kidney health, providing a depth of expertise and knowledge that benefits the patient and improves outcomes. To schedule an appointment with the SNSC care team, call 775.322.4550.