Experts attribute the rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in India to a lack of regular health checks and a tendency to minimize diabetes. Bayer held a panel discussion on World Kidney Day eve to address this issue.
Early Detection Essential for CKD Management
The experts uniformly stressed the importance of CKD awareness, especially among diabetics. CKD’s serious health effects warrant the same attention as heart disease, they said.
“The kidneys are vital organs, just like any other part of the body,” said former Indian Society of Nephrology president Dr. Sanjeev Gulati. “CKD is a silent disease, and by the time symptoms appear, 60 to 70 percent of your kidney function may already be damaged.”
Effective CKD management requires early identification. Dr. Gulati stressed the necessity of frequent blood pressure, blood sugar, and urine tests for high-risk populations like diabetics.
Knowing Chronic Kidney Disease
After three months of gradual renal damage, CKD develops. Damage might cause a chain of health issues. Early identification of CKD is difficult due to its sluggish progression and few symptoms.
Kidney Health Depends on Lifestyle Changes
Gini Health medical director Dr. Anil Bhansali shared Dr. Gulati’s concerns about early CKD’s absence of symptoms. He stressed the significance of annual health checks for all, regardless of risk.
“Lifestyle is crucial to kidney health,” Dr. Bhansali said. “Family history, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking are major contributors to CKD development.”
CKD Warning Signs
CKD frequently has no early signs, although it can develop red flags. This includes:
- Face swelling
- Vomiting
- Foot swelling
- Increased blood pressure suddenly
- Unexplained weariness and skin yellowing
- Anemia
Taking Action for Kidney Health
People can lower their risk of CKD by getting frequent checkups, controlling diabetes well, and living a healthy lifestyle. Early detection and treatment reduce disease development and prevent serious consequences.
