Telangana reports 7.4% prevalence, highest in India

Hyderabad: Telangana has the highest burden of impaired kidney function in the country, with a prevalence of 7.4 per cent, according to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Telangana is also in the highest risk category along with other states like Goa, Odisha and Kerala in India.

Why does Telangana have a high burden?

Diabetes and hypertension are the two reasons for impaired kidney function, and the prevalence of these diseases is high in Telangana.

According to the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, the data from Telangana shows 25 lakh people suffering from hypertension and 12 lakh people with diabetes.

These estimates were according to the screening programs carried out in different parts of the state.

What does the ICMR study say?

An ICMR study has found that the overall prevalence of impaired kidney function across India is 3.2 per cent. The highest risk factors are sixfold in those who are suffering from both hypertension and diabetes.

The prevalence in this dual condition group is 8.1 per cent.

According to the study, males are at a higher risk, as the prevalence is 3.8 per cent and females are 2.6 per cent. The burden in both rural and urban areas is the same as both diseases, hypertension and diabetes, have penetrated the rural belt too.

What is the reason?

The reasons for impaired kidney function are heat stress, contaminated water, higher salt consumption, high exposure to agrochemicals, obesity, self-medication of anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, herbal and ayurvedic medicines, which are not prescribed by doctors.

Dr Srinivas B, a diabetologist, explained, “The functioning of kidneys is impaired due to food habits, genetic disposition and also exposure to environmental toxins. There is no one cause of the damage to the kidney, but multiple factors. Patients come when the damage is maximum, hence there is only medications, dialysis or kidney replacement as an option.”

Dr Venkata Krishna Kumar Talluri, consultant physician and diabetologist at Renova Century Hospitals says, “Sedentary habits, processed diets, and rising obesity contribute heavily to the problem. Urban participants also showed a faster annual decline in kidney function compared to rural residents. Regular alcohol or heavy alcohol consumption can worsen kidney health by raising blood pressure, causing dehydration, and directly damaging kidney tissues. Alcohol also interferes with diabetes and hypertension control, further accelerating kidney decline. The ICMR data showed that people who were already diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension had much higher rates of kidney damage compared to those newly diagnosed — suggesting many live for years unaware of progressive kidney injury.”

Every dialysis unit, both under the government and private facilities, is full, and there is also a need for more.

What is the road ahead?

Those below 30 years of age must choose the right foods and ensure that their lifestyle, both in urban and rural areas, does not make them prone to lifestyle diseases. This is the best prevention method for those who have compromised kidney functioning due to lifestyle.

In the agricultural sector, those who are exposed to toxins suffer from their work culture and fall prey to the disease. These need government regulations and awareness for the people to keep themselves safe.

Governments need to look into the causes and work towards rectifying it as hospitals can only help so far, and the rest needs to be managed by the people themselves, said senior doctors who are dealing with kidney patients in the city.

Points of care

Early Screening: All adults with diabetes or high blood pressure get a simple blood test for creatinine and urine test for protein at least once a year.

Lifestyle Changes:

Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control

Drink enough water, especially in hot weather

Limit salt, processed food, alcohol and sugary drinks

Avoid unnecessary painkillers and unregulated herbal products

Get regular exercise and annual health check-ups

These will help to create a preventive care method in the people and help in controlling the kidney injury.