Ep 05: I Wish I Knew Diabetes Could Cause Kidney Disease, with Robert "Buzz" Buchanan

The Kidney Collective

Chapters
0:00
Introduction to The Kidney Collective
1:11
Bonding over Buzz's Jimmy Buffett Cover Band
2:00
Buzz's Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis
4:33
Managing Diabetes and Lifestyle Changes
6:37
The Connection Between Diabetes and Kidney Disease
10:50
Financial Barriers to Diabetes Medication
11:53
The Importance of Monitoring and Screening
14:49
Advice for Newly Diagnosed CKD Patients and Diabetes Patients
21:48
Getting Answers, Medical Support and Staying Positive
27:27
Navigating Clinical Trials and Their Benefits
30:10
Recap of Buzz's Conversation
The Kidney Collective
Ep 05: I Wish I Knew Diabetes Could Cause Kidney Disease, with Robert "Buzz" Buchanan
Oct 15, 2025 Season 1 Episode 5
American Kidney Fund

In this episode of The Kidney Collective™, Tamara and Mike talk with Robert “Buzz” Buchanan about his experience living with type 2 diabetes and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD)—and their shared love of Jimmy Buffett. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 1998 and has managed his CKD for over 10 years, keeping it from progressing to kidney failure. In the face of the unique physical and mental challenges of a chronic disease, Buzz advises others to "not panic” and shares how he has managed his conditions through lifestyle changes, medicines and regularly monitoring his health with routine testing. The three also discuss the connection between heart, kidney and metabolic health and share the benefits of participating in clinical trials. Buzz emphasizes how important it is for people to have access to clinical trials and the latest medicines and treatments.

Robert "Buzz" Buchanan is a fifth-generation resident of San Diego, California where he has lived his whole life. He was an orthopedic technician for 30 years and has been retired since 2015.

More resources: