Kidney Companion
Our Story
Our grandma, once the heart of our kitchen, loved creating vibrant meals that brought our family together. Now, as a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patient, her passion for cooking has become a daily challenge. With strict restrictions on protein, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus, her cherished recipes have turned into bittersweet memories. Yet, she remains resilient, exploring new ingredients and finding joy in simple, healthy dishes.
Her story reflects the struggles of 850 million CKD patients worldwide, who must meticulously manage their diets to avoid complications like hypertension and hyperkalemia. In addition to dietary adjustments and professional guidance are crucial to managing risks such as anemia, bone weakness, and cardiovascular issues. Inspired by her resilience and recognizing a significant gap in AI-driven solutions for CKD management, we were motivated to develop an AI-powered app designed to support not only our grandma but also countless others living with CKD.
The Problem
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) impacts over 35.5 million adults in the U.S., with its slow progression leaving 90% unaware of their condition. Poor dietary management can worsen the condition, making prevention and control essential. Effective tools for dietary tracking and personalized management are crucial to combat this challenge.
Challenges in Health Management for (CKD) Patients
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Nutritional Limitations: CKD patients face strict limits on protein, phosphorus, and potassium intake, complicating meal planning. Without tools for precise tracking, many patients risk worsening their condition.
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Lack of Awareness: Many CKD patients are unaware of their nutritional needs or the impact of their diet on their health, leading to accidental consumption of harmful nutrients.
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Tracking Challenges: Manual tracking of daily nutrient intake is time-consuming and error-prone, making it difficult for patients to consistently adhere to dietary recommendations.
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Limited Access to Resources: Access to stage-specific dietary advice and meal ideas is often limited, leaving patients to navigate complex dietary restrictions alone.
Innovation
We developed the FIRST AI-powered mobile app on the market designed to streamline and personalize health management for CKD patients. Our app integrates AI-driven tools with an easy-to-use design to simplify dietary management, monitor nutrition, and offer personalized guidance. Key features include Personalized Nutrition Management, Medication Reminders, Tailored Meal Plans and Ideas, Interactive Learning Tools, Risk Assessment, Progress Tracking, and Reports, making management both accessible and efficient for every patient.
