Today (every second Thursday of March) is being observed as the World Kidney Day today. A joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations, this day focuses on raising awareness about kidney disorders that often progresses from metabolic disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Kidneys help in flushing out the toxins and excess water from blood. This procedure helps in controlling blood pressure levels, better production of red blood cells and in keeping the bones healthy. Often the diseases that affect the kidneys attack silently; if left undetected, it may even cause pre-mature death due to kidney failure or stroke due to chronic kidney disorders.
The theme for World Kidney Day this year is protecting your kidneys through control of diabetes. Diabetes is known to be the leading cause for chronic kidney disorder, which is considered to be more serious than other life-threatening disorders like cancer and cardiac disease.
One in five people are reported to be diabetic in India. As the number of diabetics and hypertensive individuals continue to rise in the country, the fallout is an increase in the cases of kidney disorders. Doctors have confirmed the rise in kidney disease cases and renal failure among young adults, mainly in their 20s and late 30s.
Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive disease and may occur in at least 30-40 per cent of all diabetics.
The key to prevention is modification in lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle comprising a balanced and nutritious diet, avoidance of caffeine, tobacco and alcohol and physical activity contributes towards protection from serious conditions such as this.
Read more on kidney related ailments and how you can prevent and manage them.
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