Times of India
11 March 2010
Bushra Baseerat
Hyderabad, India

A few years ago, the city was anointed as the country’s Diabetes capital. On World Kidney Day today, doctors say that Hyderabad’s diabetic condition has only worsened with the average age group of their patients dropping from 50 to 20-30 year-olds.

City-based nephrologists say that a chunk of their patients are now young working professionals who approach them with diabetesrelated kidney disorders. Aptly, this year’s World Kidney Day’s theme is “Prevent diabetes and prevent kidney disease.

Specialists say that diabetes and hypertension together are contributing to 60 to 70 per cent of the kidney diseases to the city’s young. Doctors note that until a few years ago, kidney disorders were diagnosed in the age group of 50 years and above but there is a giant leap in the incidents in the productive age group in the last one year.

“If a person is free from diabetes, 40 per cent of the kidney related cases can be avoided,’’ says Dr D Sree Bhushan, nephrologist at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), adding that youngsters are losing precious productive years by falling prey to the illness and in some cases even becoming dependent on their parents.

He says that out of every 10 cases he sees, around seven patients are in the 20-30 age group.

Most of these young patients are diagnosed with irreversible Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Senior nephrologist Dr R Aruna says that she sees one to two cases of advanced renal failure patients in the 20-30 age group every week at Yashoda Hospital, Malakpet.

“Younger patients are falling prey to the disorder because of poor nutrition and hygiene as well as unhealthy diet. Stress leads to uncontrolled hypertension that can also lead to renal failure,” says Dr Aruna.

Dr Pradeep Deshpande, HOD, nephrology department, Gandhi Hospital says that diabetics should take proper control of their blood sugar and blood pressure levels from the initial stage itself to avoid future complications.

The problem with kidney related disorders, doctors say, is that they aredetected only after 50 per cent of the damage has occurred. Before this, the problem goes unnoticed and the individual appears healthy.

Doctors suggest that people can prevent diabetes by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a fibrous, nutritious diet and ample exercise.

Dr S Venkata Subramaniam, nephrologist with Global Hospital suggests simple changes in lifestyle like taking the stairs instead of a lift can be beneficial.

Do’s & Don’ts

• Diabetics should avoid indiscriminate use of pain killers, antibiotics and heavy metal preparations
• Exercise regularly
• Consume lot of vegetables and fruits
• Avoid junk food and reduce salt intake
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Have a good sleep
• Drink at least 2.5 litres of water daily