Introduction:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an asymptomatic disease for a large duration of its course and uremic symptoms present late. Diabetes and hypertension, the two main risk factors for CKD are also predominantly asymptomatic. In addition, even those who know about their diabetes and hypertension, majority of them are poorly controlled. Hence, it is imperative that patients get tested routinely to be aware of their risk factors and CKD status to allow interventions to slow the coming CKD epidemic. This study was conducted to assess the current level of awareness of Diabetes, Hypertension, CKD and the quantum of undiagnosed diabetes, hypertension and CKD.
Methods:
Community based population screening was done by door to door approach in Zakir Nagar, Delhi from June to Nov 2023. Those approached were offered temperature check, heart rate, pulse oximetry, blood pressure, blood sugar and urine dipstick testing. They were also assessed for any past medical history of diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease or kidney stones. In addition, a van was placed at heavy traffic places in south Delhi from October to November 2023, offering similar screening.
Results:
2200 were screened (door to door 1553, van 647) between age of 18-97 (mean 43), with 829 females (38%). 98% underwent Blood pressure check, 87% sugar check, while 54% provided a urine specimen. Of these 567 had a sugar > 140mg/dl and 235 > 200, while 625 had a systolic BP> 140 and an additional 145 had a diastolic >90. 75 out of 1181 who gave urine specimen had some level of proteinuria suggesting nephropathy and chronic kidney disease. In this cohort of 2200, 230 were known diabetics and 115 known hypertensive, however, 56 % and 80% of them respectively, were not controlled. The distribution by age group is shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Distribution by age of kidney disease and its risk factors in screening population in Delhi.
Conclusions:
Our study shows significant unawareness in urban India for chronic kidney disease and its two most common risk factors (diabetes and hypertension). It also shows that even those who are aware of diabetes and hypertension are poorly controlled and not aware of the risks of kidney disease or presence of kidney disease from these. There is an increasing prevalence of CKD around the world, especially in India. More awareness is needed about CKD, its asymptomatic nature and the importance of regular screening for CKD and its risk factors.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.