Kidney disease has become increasingly common in recent times, affecting around 10% of the global population. This rise can be attributed to several factors. The following facts about kidney disease can surprise you:
- In a majority of the cases – i.e., in almost 90% of people, kidney disease goes undetected. The irony is that many people don’t know they have kidney disease. The reason is that kidney disease is a silent disease.
- Even if the kidney disease is severe – many people don’t know whether they have it. This is quite astonishing: 2 out of 5 adults who have kidney disease, don’t know they have it.
- 50% of the people with low kidney function who are not on dialysis don’t know that they have kidney disease.
- 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure and 1 in 3 adults with diabetes may have kidney disease.
- Kidney disease has now become one of the leading causes of death across the globe.
- See whether you are at risk of kidney disease – “RISK FACTORS for KIDNEY DISEASE”
The recent rise in kidney disease cases can be attributed to the following factors:
- Growing Prevalence of Chronic Conditions
- Diabetes and high blood pressure: These two conditions are the leading causes of kidney disease, accounting for roughly 76% of new kidney failure cases. As the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension rises due to factors like obesity, aging populations, and unhealthy lifestyles, kidney disease cases consequently increase.
Chronic Kidney Disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure
- Improved Detection and Diagnosis
- Advancements in medical technology have led to better detection and diagnosis of kidney disease, even in its early stages. This has brought to light a larger number of cases that might have gone unnoticed in the past.
- Aging Population
- The global population is aging rapidly, and the risk of developing kidney disease increases with age. As the elderly population grows, so too does the burden of kidney disease.
- Environmental Factors
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and certain medications, can also contribute to kidney damage and increase the risk of disease.
- Learn more about the “Environmental toxins that can cause kidney disease”
- Lack of Awareness and Access to Care
- Many people remain unaware of the risk factors for kidney disease and the importance of early detection. Additionally, limited access to healthcare in some regions can make it difficult for individuals to receive timely diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention of Kidney disease
It’s important to note that while kidney disease is becoming more common, it’s often preventable or manageable with proper intervention. By controlling chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing regular checkups, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney disease.
Here are some additional tips for kidney health
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t smoke
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Manage stress
- Get regular exercise
- Avoid excessive use of painkillers
Bottom Line
If you have any concerns about your kidney health, be sure to consult with a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the outcome of kidney disease.
KIDNEY DISEASE SCREENING is the best way to detect kidney disease early for effective treatment – Learn more about these simple, quick, and inexpensive tests for the detection of kidney disease early.
Prevention is better than cure – Learn more about “How to Prevent Kidney Disease”
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