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Kidney Disease Rises Around the Globe

Around the world, death rates from communicable diseases have seen a steady decrease from 1990-2010, from 34.1% of total deaths to 24.9%. But it’s not all good news, according to the National Kidney Foundation. In the same time period, death rates from non-communicable diseases have increased, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a recent Global Burden of Disease Study published in The Lancet.

Death rates attributed to CKD increased 82% during this time period. Globally, CKD now ranks in the top 25 conditions leading to years of lost life, and the study also found that there was a 21% increase in years lived with disability due to the condition.

“The unfortunate globalization of the fast food market combined with unhealthy eating and obesity play a major role in the rise of chronic kidney disease,” says Dr. Beth Piraino, President of the National Kidney Foundation. “And yet, we can all modify our diet and make positive changes. Personal choices have an impact on the kidneys and a healthy lifestyle can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease.”

The National Kidney Foundation urges the public to take basic steps to protect the kidneys on World Kidney Day on March 14, including the following:

• A low salt diet without excessive fat or calories.
• Regular exercise. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are on the rise and can often be treated and reversed with physical activity and weight loss.
• Manage and control blood pressure. High blood pressure is another leading cause of kidney disease.
• Testing for those at risk.

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