Understanding Kidney Disease

What Is Kidney Disease?

Kidneys act as a filter in our bodies by removing waste products and extra water from the body. They help make red blood cells, help keep bones healthy and control blood pressure. In case of a disease, kidneys are prevented from performing these important functions. Kidney damage may be due to a physical injury or a disease like diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health problems.

If you have kidney disease, you may need to take medicines, limit salt and certain foods in your diet, get regular exercise and more.

Finding and treating kidney disease early can help slow down the rate of or even stop kidney disease from getting worse. Once kidney disease becomes severe it can lead to kidney failure. If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant to stay alive

“The worldwide rise in the number of patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and consequent end-stage renal failure necessitating renal replacement therapy is threatening to reach epidemic proportions over the next decade, and only a small number of countries have robust economies able to meet the challenges posed.”

A. Meguid El Nahas, Aminu K. Bello says in an article

Even the countries where people could afford the treatment find it difficult to cope with the ever increasing problem of patients with kidney problems. Hence, we feel that raising awareness and relevant information to all will help contain the situation at its best. Thus, joining the noble cause, we aim to focus more on Minorities which are found least aware of the causes and prevention during our informal discussions with various ethnic groups.

As per NHS, Black and south Asian people are three to five times more likely to have kidney failure than White people, but many are unaware of the condition. Diabetes and high blood pressure are deemed as the main alleged culprits of renal failure along with other factors.

“Many Black and South Asian people know about the higher prevalence of diabetes and high blood pressure in their communities, but they don't realise the direct link between these conditions and kidney failure."

"Kidney disease is also more likely to be progressive (worsen to the point of kidney failure) in some Black and Asian groups."

"South Asian patients with diabetes are 10 times more likely to go on to have kidney failure than White Caucasians with diabetes. So it's vital that diabetes and blood pressure in this group is well-controlled to reduce the likelihood of complications such as kidney damage."

Kidney Research UK states

2 Simple Kidney Tests