It is high time people opted for a healthy lifestyle, diet and exercise since three lakh Indians were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or kidney failure each year, Dr. Abi Abraham, president, Nephrology Association of Kerala, has said.
The disease called for dialysis or renal replacement therapy, which only 20 per cent of the patients could afford. Addressing media persons here on Tuesday in connection with World Kidney Day, which falls on March 9, Dr. Abraham said that obesity and being overweight were critical risk factors.
“Indians, especially Keralites, are at the highest risk since they are fond of food items such as parathas and beef and are also prone to high stress levels and inadequate exercise. Each year, roughly 5,000 persons are diagnosed with CKD in Kerala. The primary prevention method is to do annual screening test, regulate blood sugar and pressure level and lead a balanced lifestyle,” he said. CKD could lead to other complications such as heart disease, stroke and infections. Those with diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, kidney stone, obesity or family history were more prone to kidney ailments.
The association would organise a host of awareness programmes, screening camps, flash mobs and mini marathon in different districts. The State government had been taking steps to promote cadaver transplant through the Kerala Network of Organ Sharing. A few hundred such transplants were over, while 1,500 chronic patients were on the waiting list. For details, check www.knos.org.in.
Secretary of the association Dr. Binu Upendran said that a urine test is the best method of detecting kidney ailments. But most patients consulted a doctor after 90 per of their kidney functioning was lost. Dr. Jose Paul, convenor of the Cochin Nephrology Society, was present.
