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Tackle diabetes to keep renal diseases at bay

PUDUCHERRY: Prevention and early management of diabetes and hypertension can help in keeping kidney diseases at bay. At the same time, regular exercise and proper dietary habits play a vital role in reducing the potential risk factors, experts said on Sunday.

As part of the World Kidney Day this year, the Pondicherry Kidney Foundation organised a Continuous Medical Education programme. Delivering a lecture on ‘Prevention of kidney diseases,’ senior consultant nephrologist from Tiruchi P. Giri said kidney diseases were ranked as the third most common killer diseases.

“In adults, 70 per cent of kidney diseases were owing to diabetes and hypertension. Early management of diabetes and hypertension can, in a great way, help in reducing the diseases. In fact, the risk is higher with an increase in blood pressure levels,” he said.

In all likelihood, even consumption of rice could, in some cases, lead to diabetes and an increase in triglyceride levels. Those who skip breakfast were more prone to diabetes, he added.

Stressing the importance of exercise, Dr. Giri said, “Aerobic exercises burn calories and body fat. They reduce body weight, hypertension and control blood sugar levels.”

To lose weight, aerobic exercises such as cycling (for an hour every day), swimming (30 minutes a day) or jogging (30 minutes a day) help, he said.

“To prevent renal failure in children, watch out for urinary tract infections and treat them properly. For preventing renal failure in all ages, regular exercise, proper food intake, staying away from cigarettes and periodic medical check-ups are necessary,” he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police B. Srikanth said there was a lot of wrong information on kidneys in films. “This could be a potential damage to transplants and life-saving procedures. There should be information on the organ and its functions,” he said.

Mr. Srikanth added that would donate Rs. 25,000 to the foundation.

As part of the programme, the foundation also presented the Vocational Excellence Award to Dr. Giri.

Consultant nephrologist and Managing Director of Pondicherry Medical Mission K. Narayanan, Chairman of the Pondicherry Kidney Foundation P. Krishnamoorthy, secretary U.R. Anoop and secretary of Small Scale Industries of Puducherry Parthasarathy spoke.

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