Are your kidneys OK?

If kidney disease is detected early and managed appropriately, the relentless progression to kidney failure that usually occurs, can be slowed or reduced by between 20%–50% in most cases., according to Anne Wilson, chief executive officer of Kidney Health Australia – a leading organisation in promoting education, consumer participation, research and health service excellence in Australia.

Diabetic nephropathy is the commonest cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide. Early detection is vital for the treatment and prevention of any disease and kidney disease is no exception.

Research shows that not enough is known about the underlying mechanisms of the disease. Surveys indicate that even the better educated and developed countries have a shallow understanding of kidneys – including lack of basic information on the location and function of kidneys. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies for the prevention and management of kidney disease.

With improved research and better information available on the disease, Kidney Health Australia says the world would stand a better chance of responding to the question: “Are your kidneys OK?” with a resounding and confident, “Yes!”