Risk Factors Kidney Disease – Which can have a significant impact on one’s overall health – kidney disease. Did you know that kidney disease affects an estimated 10% of the adult population worldwide?
What exactly is kidney disease? Kidney disease is a condition that affects the function of your kidneys. The kidneys play an important role in removing waste and excess fluid from the body, as well as balancing important minerals and electrolytes in the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, they gradually lose their ability to perform these functions effectively and can lead to a number of complications, including high blood pressure, anemia and bone disease.
Some of the biggest risk factors for developing kidney disease :-
1. Diabetes – Diabetes is one of the biggest chance factors for developing kidney disease. In fact, about 30% of people with type 1 diabetes and 10-40% of people with type 2 diabetes eventually develop kidney disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage and eventually kidney failure. It is important for people with diabetes to closely monitor their blood sugar levels and properly manage their condition to reduce their chance of developing kidney disease.
2. High blood pressure – High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is another major chance factor for kidney disease. This is because increased blood pressure can put a strain on the kidneys, which can lead to damage over time. High blood pressure and kidney disease often go together, as high blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease. People with high blood pressure should work towards keeping their blood pressure under control through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication.
3. Family History – Family history is also an important risk factor for developing kidney disease. If you have a family member with kidney disease, your risk of developing the condition is higher. This is because some forms of kidney disease, such as polycystic kidney disease, are inherited. If you have a history of kidney disease in your family, it is important to inform your doctor and get regular kidney function tests done.
4. Age – As we age, our kidneys lose some of their functional ability. This means that older adults are at higher chance of developing kidney disease. Additionally, age-related conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure become more common with age, further increasing the risk of kidney disease.
5. Smoking – Smoking is a known risk factor for many health conditions including kidney disease. Smoking not only damages blood vessels throughout the body, but particularly affects the small blood vessels in the kidneys, causing damage and increasing the risk of kidney disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of developing kidney disease and improve overall health.
6. Obesity – Obesity is a significant chance factor for many health conditions, including kidney disease. In fact, obesity can increase the chance of kidney disease by up to 83%. This is because obesity can lead to high blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions that significantly increase the chance of kidney disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help reduce your chance of kidney disease.
Conclusion:
Kidney disease is a significant health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the biggest risk factors for developing kidney disease – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, family history, age, smoking and obesity – can help individuals take steps to reduce their risk and protect the health of their kidneys. Can get