Government and private doctors are urging people to prioritise kidney health, especially individuals with diabetes, under the theme “Are Your Kidneys OK?”
India is the diabetes capital of the world, and experts predict that the Deccan Plateau will become the diabetes capital of India. Nephrologists in Hyderabad warn that diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease, with 20 per cent of kidney patients currently having diabetes – a number expected to rise to 30 per cent soon.
To raise awareness, Osmania General Hospital (OGH) organised a public awareness walk and a kidney quiz, while the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) launched a mobile kidney camp to reach 10,000 people across Telangana’s villages and districts.
Dr Rakesh Kumar Sahay, Superintendent of OGH, highlighted that around two lakh Indians develop kidney failure annually. He listed diabetes, hypertension, prolonged painkiller use, native medicines, kidney stones, aging and obesity as major risk factors.
OGH conducted 3,500 dialysis sessions per month and has performed 800 kidney transplants.
Meanwhile, AINU’s mobile kidney camp was flagged off by Dr A Narendra Kumar, Director of Medical Education, Telangana State, and Dr C Mallikarjuna, Managing Director and Chief Consultant Urologist at AINU.
The initiative aims to address the rapid spread of diabetes in rural areas, where many are unaware of their kidney health risks. Dr Mallikarjuna said the importance of three simple tests to assess kidney function, urging everyone to get tested regularly.
Dr Narendra Kumar stated that Telangana has well-developed healthcare infrastructure and the government is implementing proactive measures to improve kidney health and provide nephrology services. He encouraged routine kidney checkups for early detection and management of kidney diseases.
Doctors recommend the following lifestyle changes to protect kidney health: Limit salt intake to less than ½ teaspoon per day; Restrict oil consumption to less than ½ liter per month per person; Avoid red meat,Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily,Exercise for 30-45 minutes per day; Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night and Eat fresh vegetables regularly.
