Diabetes, hypertension leading causes of kidney failure

Global statistics showed that 70% of patients with kidney disease is caused by diabetes and 30% due to hypertension.

This was bared by Dr. Kenneth Coo, Nephrologist of Holy Child Hospital, in a Kapihan sa PIA held in celebration of National Kidney month this June with the theme, “Bato ko Yaman at Buhay Ko.”

Coo stressed that in 2007, cases of hemodialysis in the Philippines increased from 3,007 to 4,200.

In 2013 it went up to 10,000 and recent statistics showed that 14,000 of Filipinos now developed kidney failure that requires hemodialysis according.

The Nephrologist added that renal disease ranks number 10 in the leading causes of mortality in the Philippines.

Furthermore, from 2002 to 2008, data showed that among the 10,552 patients with kidney disease due to diabetes, 432 of these come from Region 7.

Coo said that most of the patients affected are the working age group between 30 to 70.

On the preventive side, he urged the public to have a yearly urinalysis, regular monitoring of blood pressure, and creatinine test to monitor the function of kidneys.

Relative to the theme, “Bato ko Yaman at Buhay Ko,” kidneys play an important role in controlling fluids in our body, remove waste products, control blood pressure, produce red blood cells and keep the bones healthy.

Among the symptoms to watch out for are fluid retention or edema, puffiness around the eyes, swelling of feet and legs, decreased and increased frequency in urination, change in the color of urine and developed fluids in the lungs.

Meanwhile, Judith Vailoces, Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) focal person of Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), urged the public to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating the right kind of food, do a regular exercise and avoid smoking.

She advised parents to prepare and encouraged their children to eat healthy foods avoiding high content in sodium, preservatives and sweetened drinks.

Proper hygiene is also a must in preventing kidney disease, said Vailoces. (rmn/lpp/PIA-7Negros Oriental)