As the incidence of diabetes and hypertension continues to grow worldwide – and increasing numbers of patients progressing to kidney disease and kidney failure place a financial strain on public health systems – the need for early patient education about kidney disease and treatment options, including home-based treatments, has become critical.
More than 240 million people have diabetes and this figure is projected to rise to 380 million by 20251. In the United States alone, 17.9 million have been diagnosed with diabetes resulting in medical and indirect costs (e.g., lost workdays, restricted activities and disability) of $174 billion or approximately one of every five health care dollars spent in US2, 3. About 40 percent of people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease, which also increases the risk of cardiovascular or other complications4. Today, 26 million American adults have chronic kidney disease and millions of others are at increased risk5.
“People with diabetes or hypertension, over the age of 60 or with a family history of kidney disease are at higher risk of progressing to chronic kidney disease. These patients should undergo screening and talk to their doctor about this disease regardless of if they display symptoms,” said Sarah Prichard, MD, vice president of global clinical affairs for Baxter’s Renal business. ” Early detection of chronic kidney disease can dramatically affect how long you can preserve kidney function, what treatment options you will have and ultimately determine the quality of life you will experience while living with the disease.”
- The International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations, World Kidney Day: Prevalence of Disease, www.worldkidneyday.org/page/prevalence-of-disease
- American Diabetes Association, Diabetes Statistics 2007, www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Diabetes Statistics and Research: Frequently Asked Questions, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/faq/research.htm#4
- The International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations, World Kidney Day: Prevalence of Disease, www.worldkidneyday.org/page/prevalence-of-disease
- National Kidney Foundation, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), www.kidney.org/kidneyDisease/ckd/index.cfm
Source: Baxter
published: March 11, 2010 in: Baxter, Healthcare