Diabetes is the fastest growing cause of kidney failure. About 30 per cent of people with diabetes will develop kidney disease and it’s the leading cause of kidney failure (end stage renal disease when kidneys fail to filter the blood) in western countries. Up to 50 per cent of people receiving treatment for kidney failure in dialysis centres in Australia will have diabetes.
According to the International Diabetes Federation survival rates for people with diabetes when dialysis is needed is about three years on average. But the news is not all bad.
International prevention trial and studies prove that kidney damage can be delayed or prevented by improving blood glucose control and lowering blood pressure.
The campaign launched in 2003 by Australian Diabetes Council was in partnership with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, who provided funds for a range of diabetes awareness activities. The focus on preventing kidney complications involved providing GPs around New South Wales with an information kit on management of renal complications, a poster for the waiting room and patient Information Sheet.
The following kidney health resources are available: