Hypertension and Diabetes: The silent killers behind Kidney disease in Kenya

Even with these high numbers, a big percentage of patients are on dialysis. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease.The rising prevalence of these conditions has contributed to the increasing number of kidney disease cases. 

However other risk factors such as heart disease and smoking also play a role.Aging is another significant factor. Studies have shown that after the age of 40, kidney function tends to decline by approximately one percent each year. This is farther compounded by our western diets, which are often high in salt, lack of physical exercise and environmental pollution.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF KIDNEY DISEASE AND HOW THEY AFFECT KIDNEY FUNCTION

Kidney diseases can either be acute or chronic.Acute kidney disease occurs in very sick patients.This causes a sudden loss of kidney function.In  most cases, patients usually get well within a few days but urgent treatment, including dialysis,is needed as they  wait full recovery.Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)on the other hand refers to the progressive loss of kidney function over a long period.Those at the highest risk of CKD are people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity and family history of the disease.

HOW HYPERTENSION AND DIABETES DAMAGE KIDNEY

Hypertension and diabetes are dangerous because they damage the small blood vessels inside the kidney.This makes it hard for the kidneys to filter waste and extra water from the blood. "If you don't control your blood sugar and blood pressure, you're slowly damaging your kidneys without fealing any pain,"

"Most people don't know they are affected by kidney disease until it's too late,"says Dr Angela Mwangi, a nephrologist based in  Nairobi."By the time symptoms like swelling of feet , fatigue and difficulty in urinating appear,the kidneys are already badly damaged,"explains Dr.Mwangi.

For urban dwellers, stress, unhealthy fast food, and lack of exercise are driving these diseases. For rural communities, the use of salty processed foods and lack of regular check-ups are increasing risks. And for youth, it's becoming more common to see early signs of these diseases because of poor diet, smoking, alcohol, and lack of physical activities 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM KIDNEY DISEASES 

The good news is kidney disease is preventable if you act early. Here's how everyone — whether in town, school, or village — can protect themselves:

1. Check your blood pressure and sugar levels regularly, even if you feel healthy.

2. Reduce salt and sugar intake — avoid too much processed food, soda, and snacks.

3. Eat more natural foods — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drink plenty of water.

4. Exercise regularly — walking, running, farming activities, or even home workouts.

5. Avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol.

6. Seek medical help early if you notice signs like swollen feet, tiredness, or changes in urination.

A CALL FOR MORE AWARENESS

Health experts are calling for more public education so that Kenyans — both young and old — understand how dangerous and expensive kidney diseases can be.

"It’s not just a hospital issue, it’s a community issue," says Dr. Mwangi. "If we don’t act now, we’ll see more people on dialysis machines, and many families can't afford that."

Whether you're a student, a city worker, or a farmer, protect your kidneys by taking care of your blood pressure and sugar levels — because kidney disease doesn’t care where you live or how old you are.