World Kidney Day: 10% of world population suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease, say expert

Paras Hospital senior consultant for Nephrology, Dr PN Gupta on Thursday said that around 10% of the world's population suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), with the number increasing to 50% for those above the age of 75 years.

"Kidney disease can affect people of all ages and races. Around 10 percent of the world's population suffers from CKD, and the number can rise to as high as 50 percent for those who are above the age of 75 years," Dr Gupta said, at a function to mark the occasion of World Kidney Day.

"One in five men and one in four men between the ages of 65 and 74 suffer from CKD," he added.

He also advised patients the correct diet, asking them to steer clear of salts. Dr Gupta also said that while dialysis can help older CKD sufferers, younger patients can opt for kidney transplant, with the number of successful transplants growing every year.

At the function, the participants were briefed how the kidney transplant was done, and the surgeon gave details of the procedure. The Paras Group of Hospitals had a team which regularly conducted kidney transplants.

"Choose and prepare foods with less salt and sodium. Eat the right amount and right types of proteins. Choose foods which are healthy for your heart. Eat foods with less phosphorus and the right amount of potassium," the doctor advised at the function.