KARACHI : World Kidney Day (WKD) 2010 was observed on Thursday with the theme 'Protect Your Kidney, Control Diabetes'.
The day holds particular relevance for Pakistan where one in three citizens over 40 has some form of Kidney disease.
According to available studies diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease and, if left unchecked, patients may ultimately need to undergo dialysis up to three times a week to stay alive.
"The scenario demands widespread screening of those sections of society that are at risk of kidney disease," said Dr. Fatima Jawad.
Talking to APP on Wednesday she said it is essential to create awareness amongst physicians as well as the public about the factors causing kidney diseases and its ultimate failure.
Studies have shown that early detection and treatment can delay and possibly prevent kidney failure in most patients, said Dr. Ahmer Raza.
Diabetes, the doctors said has emerged to be a global epidemic which currently affects an estimated 171 million people worldwide and is estimated to affect over 246 million people living with diabetes.
Surge in the disease was attributed to population growth, aging, urbanization, and the increasing prevalence of obesity and physical inactivity.
Diabetes, a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life, is registered in almost all age groups of people in Pakistan.
The diseases is categorized into two different types - type 1 diabetes results from the body's failure to produce insulin, the hormone that "unlocks" the cells of the body, allowing glucose to enter and fuel them.
Type One Diabetes is usually a congenital condition found among children and Insulin is required to treat type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes results from insulin resistance (a condition in which the body fails to properly use insulin), combined with relative insulin deficiency. Most patients with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Experts agreed that Type Two diabetes can be prevented and, to a certain extent, controlled through lifestyle interventions such as increased physical activity, weight loss (in patients who are overweight) and proper nutrition.
When lifestyle interventions are insufficient to control diabetes, anti-diabetic medications and insulin may be required, said Dr. Fatima Jawad.
The diabetologist and the nephrologist answering a question to control the situation also recommended strict control of blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
"Use of certain classes of blood pressure medicines can also be a risk," said Dr. Jawad and urged for medication under proper supervision.
She also suggested need to avoid drugs that may cause further kidney damage (especially some pain killers), a low salt diet and cardiovascular risk reduction.
Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2010 |
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