What is CKD?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as persistent damage to the kidneys or a decrease in their function of at least three months. This damage can often be seen as a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a key indicator of the kidneys' ability to remove waste and toxins from the blood.
To prevent this disease, you should ensure the following 7 factors are properly controlled:
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Blood pressure: This is the basis for preventing progression of the disease and thus the need for other treatments, such as dialysis and a kidney transplant.
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Weight: Via daily physical activity and a balanced diet. A high body mass index is one of the main risk factors for developing this disease.
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Blood sugar levels: This is essential to maintain optimal glycaemic control by focusing on a healthy diet, regular exercise and medical check-ups. Poorly controlled diabetes can damage the kidneys over time, so it is important to monitor sugar levels and adhere to prescribed treatments.
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Proteinuria: This is excessive protein in the urine. It can be an early warning sign of kidney disease. Early detection of proteinuria is key to prevention. Periodic urine tests are recommended, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Identifying and treating proteinuria in time can slow kidney damage; improving the prognosis and reducing the risk of kidney failure.
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Avoid self-medication: Avoiding self-medication is essential to prevent chronic kidney disease. Indiscriminate use of anti-inflammatory or other drugs can irreversibly damage the kidneys. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication and follow the recommended dose to ensure long-term kidney health.
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Avoid harmful habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol to excess and drug use can accelerate kidney damage.
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Cardiovascular risk factors: Monitoring cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications as kidney disease progresses.
A hidden problem
This disease progresses unnoticed, but significantly impacts the lives of millions of people. Approximately 10% of the world's population suffers from CKD, but alarmingly most are not aware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage. As well as putting kidney function at risk, this lack of early diagnosis of CKD also affects the cardiovascular health and quality of life of those who suffer from it.
