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Alarming increase in chronic kidney disease in MV!
Chronic kidney diseases are increasing in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Over 83,000 people are affected. Important precautions are missing.
Alarming increase in chronic kidney disease in MV!
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, chronic kidney diseases are becoming increasingly popular. According to a current analysis by the Barmer Institute for Health Systems Research, around 5.1% of the population suffered from this disease in 2023, which corresponds to around 83,000 people. These figures are alarming considering that the proportion of those affected was 2.2% in 2010. Nordkurier reports that symptoms such as water retention, difficulty concentrating and fatigue are often not associated with kidney problems.
Henning Kutzbach, the regional manager of Barmer in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, emphasizes how important healthy kidneys are for general health. Despite the increasing number of cases, there is a lack of targeted preventive examinations that could help many of those affected. In particular, those with statutory health insurance aged 35 and over should consider a urine test during their health check-up in order to get early indications of possible kidney diseases.
The risk factors
Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys stop working or only work to a limited extent for at least three months. Common risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure and regular consumption of painkillers. As we age, kidney function naturally declines, and diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure significantly accelerate this process.
In 2023, around 52,500 people between the ages of 70 and 89 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania were diagnosed with kidney failure. This is part of a nationwide trend affecting more than two million people. Kutzbach warns of a further increase in chronic kidney disease, especially in view of the aging society. It is important to increase the health literacy of the population in order to reduce the risk of non-hereditary diseases.
Living with kidney disease
Living with chronic kidney disease often requires an adapted diet, controlled drinking amounts and medication. If kidney failure progresses, dialysis or even an organ transplant are often unavoidable. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, around 100,000 people across Germany are dependent on dialysis, while over 2,000 donor kidneys are transplanted every year. It is tragic that almost 27,000 people in Germany die every year as a result of chronic kidney disease.
In times when information is quickly and easily accessible, it is surprising that awareness raising in the area of kidney health has so far lagged behind. Digital platforms and educational resources could help spread knowledge and educate the population about prevention options. An example of innovative educational offerings is the new music education series called “Think Like a Musician,” launched by YouTube in collaboration with TED-Ed and Education Through Music. This initiative is aimed at teachers and offers interactive experiences that can promote learning. YouTube informed that 94% of teachers use the platform to support their curriculum.
In conclusion, active health management and the promotion of educational campaigns in the field of kidney health are essential to promote the long-term health of our society. The more we know about these silent illnesses, the better we can deal with them.