Marking World Kidney Day today, Luxembourg Ministry of Health addressed the different ways that people can protect themselves from the growing global epidemic of kidney disease through a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Globally, one in ten adults suffers from kidney disease, nearly 600 million people. Of these, thanks to late diagnoses, millions die prematurely from chronic renal failure and related cardiovascular complications. Yet, even against these figures, the World Health Organisation predicts an increase in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease by 17% over the next 10 years.
However, even thought it is often difficult for people to be aware that there is a problem, kidney diseases can be detected early and their development slowed down or even stopped thanks to new medicines and simply following a healthier life.
The risk factors for kidney disease include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, aged 50+, or a family or personal history of kidney problems.
The Ministry of Health and the organisers of World Kidney Day this year wish to raise public awareness in particular of the association between obesity and kidney disease. According to a study carried out in Luxembourg in 2014, 32.5% of the population is overweight, and 15.6% of the population is obese, putting Luxembourg in line with the European average.
Obesity plays an important role in the biological history of kidney disease, as it results in diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are risk factors for the development of chronic kidney disease.
According to the Ministry, overweight and obese people are two to seven times more likely to develop non-reversible kidney disease compared to people with normal weight.
A non-reversible kidney disease, or kidney failure, results in serious heart and metabolic disorders because our bodies can no longer eliminate the toxins that accumulate in our blood. Renal dialysis, and, at the end of evaluation, a kidney transplant remains the only solution for the survival of the patient.
"Every year in Luxembourg, 45 people die in a state of kidney failure because they have not been able to find a new kidney for a transplant which could have saved their lives!”, said Health Minister Lydia Mutsch.
In addition to broken lives and a severely impacted quality of life, the economic cost of prolonged renal dialysis and survival treatments are substantial.
However, this often fatal development can be prevented or delayed through prevention.
As with all non-communicable diseases, a healthy lifestyle helps to prevent obesity, and therefore chronic kidney disease.
The Ministry of Health recommends eight golden rules for the prevention of kidney disease and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.
Drink enough water
Eat healthy food
Maintain a healthy weight
Practice regular sports
Monitor blood pressure
Don’t smoke
Monitor blood glucose levels
Reduce the consumption of salt and prepared meals
