Pakistan ranks at number eight in the list of countries with a high rate of kidney diseases, with 17 million people suffering from such diseases. According to health experts, chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is rapidly growing in Pakistan due to late diagnosis, kidney stone disease, and an increasing number of patients suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure.
Dr. Syed Farhat Abbas, Consultant Nephrologist at Shifa International Hospital (SIH) said on Wednesday that kidney patients should keep their blood pressure on the lower side, and manage blood sugar levels, also they should reduce salt intake, and moderate protein consumption.
He said a person at high risk for kidney disease should consult his health care provider to protect kidney health.
Dr. Syed Nayer Mahmud, Consultant Nephrologist at SIH said that to protect kidney health, people should know their risks. If one has diabetes or high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney failure, they are at higher risk of kidney problems. He said that getting tested can help timely diagnosis because people with early-stage kidney disease usually have no symptoms.