Kidney Disease on The Rise

WASHINGTON, Mar. 13, CMC – The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) has expressed deep concern about the rise in kidney disease among seniors with diabetes and hypertension in the Caribbean.

Noting that diabetes and high blood pressure, together with aging, are “the main risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects an estimated one in 10 adults globally,” the Washington-based health care organization on Wednesday called on Caribbean healthcare providers to test high-risk patients for signs of kidney disease.

PAHO said this should be particularly done for those with diabetes and hypertension. It also called on individuals to maintain healthy lifestyles.

Chronic kidney disease and aging is the theme of this year’s World Kidney Day, celebrated on Thursday and promoted by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations.