Kidney disease emerges as leading cause of death globally
Dr Phelisa Sogayise, a nephrologist at Christiaan Barnard and Blaauberg Nectare Hospital in Cape Town, said people with any risk factors should prioritise getting screened for kidney disease.
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CAPE TOWN - Kidney disease has emerged as a leading cause of death globally, with diabetes and hypertension as the main catalysts of the chronic condition in South Africa.
On Thursday, the globe observed World Kidney Day under the theme: "Are your kidneys OK? Detect early, protect kidney health."
Dr Phelisa Sogayise, a nephrologist at Christiaan Barnard and Blaauberg Nectare Hospital in Cape Town, said people with any risk factors should prioritise getting screened for kidney disease.
“So, in South Africa, the leading cause of kidney disease is high blood pressure, and it accounts for 60%–65% of cases in patients with kidney disease, but another important cause is also diabetes mellitus. Uncontrolled diabetes over time leads to kidney failure. Also, patients with a family history of kidney disease are at risk.”
Sogayise said maintaining overall health is vital to preventing kidney issues.
“I think the first step is to keep fit. You must keep physically active, and that will help us with maintaining our body mass index, as we know that obesity is one of the causes or risk factors for kidney disease, eating healthy, and then the third one is checking and managing blood sugars.”