World Kidney Day 13th March 2025

The theme for World Kidney Day 2025 is "Are your kidneys ok? Detect early, protect kidney health.

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

Your kidneys work like body filters to keep you healthy.

✔ Remove waste: They clean your blood and remove waste through urine.

🔹 Example: If kidneys fail, waste builds up, causing swelling and tiredness.

✔ Balance fluids: They control water and salt levels in your body.

🔹 Example: If kidneys don’t work well, you may get swollen feet or dehydration.

✔ Control blood pressure: They help maintain a healthy BP by regulating salt.

🔹 Example: Weak kidneys can cause high blood pressure.

✔ Make red blood cell hormones: They produce erythropoietin (EPO) to make red blood cells.

🔹 Example: Kidney disease can lead to anemia (low red blood count), making you tired.

✔ Keep bones strong: They manage calcium and phosphorus levels.

🔹 Example: Weak kidneys can cause bone pain or fractures.

💡 Take care of your kidneys with a healthy diet and regular check-ups! 😊

How to Detect Kidney Disease Early

Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, so regular screening is crucial—especially if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease. Here’s how to detect it early:

1. Check Kidney Function with Blood Tests 🩸 Key Test: Serum Creatinine & GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate)

✔ What it measures: Creatinine: A waste product filtered by the kidneys. High levels = kidney dysfunction. GFR: Measures how well kidneys filter waste. A GFR below 60 suggests kidney disease.

✔ Example: If creatinine is high (e.g., 1.5 mg/dL or more), a doctor may monitor kidney function closely.

2. Urine Test for Protein (Proteinuria) 🚽 Key Test: Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)

✔ What it measures: Normal ACR: Less than 30 mg/g Early kidney disease: 30–300 mg/g (Microalbuminuria) Severe damage: More than 300 mg/g (Proteinuria)

✔ Example: A diabetic person with protein in urine may be in the early stage of kidney disease.

3. Monitor Blood Pressure ⚖ Key Check: Blood Pressure Measurement

✔ Why? High blood pressure damages kidney blood vessels.

✔ Ideal BP: Below 130/80 mmHg for kidney protection.

✔ Example: If BP stays at 140/90 mmHg or higher, it can accelerate kidney damage.

4. Look for Early Symptoms 🧐 Warning Signs: Foamy or dark urine Frequent urination at night Fatigue & swelling in feet High blood pressure not controlled with medication

✔ Example: A person with swelling and frothy urine may have early kidney issues.

5. Imaging Tests (If Needed) 📸 Key Tests: Kidney Ultrasound or CT Scan

✔ Why? Checks for kidney stones, cysts, or structural issues.

✔ Example: A person with long-term kidney pain may need an ultrasound to check for blockages. 📸 Key Tests: Kidney Ultrasound or CT Scan

✔ Why? Checks for kidney stones, cysts, or structural issues.

✔ Example: A person with long-term kidney pain may need an ultrasound to check for blockages. 6. Who Should Get Tested?

✅ People at Higher Risk: Diabetics (Check yearly) High blood pressure patients Family history of kidney disease Heart disease patients People over 60

✔ Example: A diabetic person should have an annual GFR and urine ACR test to catch kidney disease early.

Protect Your Kidneys by Following These 8 Golden Rules

Your kidneys keep your body healthy by removing waste, balancing fluids, and controlling blood pressure. Keep them strong by following these 8 simple rules:

1. Stay Active and Exercise 🏃‍♂️ Regular exercise helps control blood pressure and reduces kidney disease risk.

✔ Example: Walk, cycle, or do yoga for 30 minutes daily.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet 🍎 Eat fresh, low-salt, and balanced meals to protect your kidneys.

✔ Example: Choose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods and too much salt.

3. Control Blood Sugar 🩸 High blood sugar damages kidneys over time.

✔ Example: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly to prevent kidney disease.

4. Monitor Blood Pressure ⚖ High blood pressure puts stress on the kidneys.

✔ Example: Keep BP below 130/80 mmHg to reduce kidney damage risk.

5. Drink Enough Water 💧 Water helps flush out toxins and keeps kidneys healthy.

✔ Example: Drink 1.5–2 liters daily, unless your doctor advises less.

6. Don’t Smoke 🚭 Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and increases disease risk.

✔ Example: Quitting smoking improves kidney function and overall health.

7. Avoid Too Many Painkillers 💊 Overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs) can harm your kidneys.

✔ Example: Use natural pain relief methods or ask a doctor for safer options.

8. Get Your Kidneys Checked Regularly 🔬 Early testing can detect kidney problems before they get worse.

✔ Example: If you have diabetes, high BP, or a family history of kidney disease, get tested yearly.