Kidney disease in UAE linked to lifestyle

Dubai - The high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension patients in the country means a higher number of people with kidney disease

A high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in the UAE translates into a higher number of people with kidney disease.
On World Kidney Day marked on March 9, doctors said that nearly one in two patients at Dubai Hospital's nephrology department seeking dialysis treatment for kidney disease are diabetic. As per 2016 statistics, the hospital performed about 33,000 dialysis sessions on approximately 250 patients. Of these, diabetics make up 45 to 48 per cent of the total number of dialysis patients.
The high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension patients in the country means a higher number of people with kidney disease, because both these diseases are major risk factors for kidney disease," said Dr Amna Khalifa Al Hadari, head of the hospital's nephrology department.
"The problem is coupled by the fact that kidney disease is a silent disease in the initial stage; it does not manifest prominent symptoms, resulting in late diagnosis. This often means that dialysis is the last and only resort."
Nephrologists highlighted the importance of early detection. In the last two weeks, the hospital has reached out to schools, health centres and governmental departments to raise awareness about kidney disease and the importance of early detection.
Health screenings - which included tests for blood sugar, blood pressure, BMI and urine test for hypertensive patients to check protein levels and rule out kidney disease - have been conducted. Those with high parameters will be referred to the DHA's primary healthcare centres to determine whether the patient has damaged kidneys already or is at a risk of developing kidney disease.
"The hospital sees a lot of young adults suffering from this disease, because the onset of diabetes often begins early, and when left uncontrolled, leads to complications such as kidney disease. When it is detected late, we have no option but to begin dialysis which affects the patient's quality of life patient and also puts them at risk for developing heart disease," said Dr Sima Abdulla Al Awadhi, specialist nephrologist at Dubai Hospital.
"People should ensure they undergo yearly health screenings and those with a family history of the disease, those who have had kidney infections or stones in the kidney, or those with co-morbidities such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension should undergo screening for kidney disease every three to six months. In our region, I would say screening should begin as early as 20 years," said Al Awadhi.
Dr Ala Habaibeh, specialist paediatric nephrologist at Dubai Hospital, said that the symptoms manifest even earlier in children. "Prenatal testing in a foetus at risk for kidney disease takes place at 20 weeks. Therefore, we know early on and can treat a new-born early especially for congenital kidney disease. In babies and children too, the symptoms are clear, they include no growth in height and poor weight gain compared to their peers, anaemia, hypoactive, weak bones, passing less urine, convulsions, regular fever due to recurrent urine infection and underlying conditions such as reflux, swelling in hands and legs and puffy eye bags etc."
He said almost 50 per cent of paediatric cases of kidney disease are due to congenital problems and 10 to 15 per cent are due to immunity issues. He also cautioned that in young adults and adolescents, kidney disease is often due to unhealthy lifestyles.
"Hypertension and diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney disease and we find that in adolescents, a major reason of kidney disease is poor lifestyles. Obesity from Westernised diets and excessive consumption of fatty-foods high in sodium levels can lead to hypertension. Both these are major risk factors."
Dr Habaibeh advised that children should drink plenty of water, at least 8 to 10 glasses per day, be physically active and play sports, reduce their dependence on digital technology and eat a healthy diet. "I would advise all family members to do the same because children mirror their parents' lifestyles and it is a fact that today, globally and in the region, most diseases are lifestyle-related. If we can get our lifestyles in order, we can minimise our risk of developing such diseases and maximise our chances of leading a healthy life."
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com
Screening for kidney disease
Two tests are needed to check for kidney disease
> A blood test checks your GFR, which tells how well your kidneys are filtering. GFR stands for Glomerular Filtration Rate.
> A urine test checks for albumin in your urine. Albumin is a protein that can pass into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.