10% of the Indian population suffers from chronic kidney diseases
10% of the Indian population suffers from chronic kidney diseases (patients who are suffering for more than 3 months) and this figure is expected to increase. Indians are clearly at a higher risk of developing kidney diseases because of the surge in the number of patients suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure. 60% of the patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases in India are either diabetic or suffer from high blood pressure.
With constant lifestyle changes amongst teens and youngsters is leading to an early onset of kidney related ailments. Consumption of fast food, sedentary way of living with little or no exercise is an important cause for the rise in cases of diabetes, hypertension, gastrointestinal and obesityin our country and this in turn has led to increasing incidence of kidney disease.
Dr Bharat Shah, Nephrologist, Global Hospital said, “About 3-4 lakh people require kidney transplant in India every year, but only 1% actually gets a successful kidney transplant. People suffering from diabetes and blood pressure are especially vulnerable to kidney diseases. It’s unfortunate that many are clueless about the deadly association of diabetes and chronic kidney diseases. With a little bit of awareness and education, people with diabetes will have the power to control their condition and enjoy a full life. On World Kidney Day, I would also like to advice people to stop taking pain killers without consulting a medical practitioner. With increasing abuse of pain killers, it is observed that kidney diseases are on the rise”.
The need of the hour is strong proactive steps taken by Government which can help in bringing the increasing number of people suffering from kidney ailments:
- Simpler and Shorter procedure for a kidney transplant as the delay leads to fatal situations
- Countrywide awareness about Lifestyle Disorders like Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Gastrointestinal problems, Use of Drugs specially painkillers without prescriptions
- Accurate screening programs for lifestyle diseases
- Educating kids about healthy food, eating habits, should be made part of the school syllabus
- Govt should increase parks and jogging tracks and introduce cycle tracks and should spread awareness about health living.
