Alarming rise in kidney failures

HEALTH officials have labelled diabetes as the number one cause of kidney failure in Brunei Darussalam with research figures placing the nation at the top amongst its neighbours for having the, highest percentage of cases.

The figures also showed that every year there are an alarming 100 new patients suffering from kidney-related problems.

“According to research, the number of patients suffering from kidney problems is on the rise both globally and at home, where some 500 patients suffering from kidney problems are undergoing dialysis treatment,” said Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, Minister of Health, during a walkathon organised in conjunction with World Kidney Day.

“I understand that some 20 per cent of the population in the country may be faced with diabetes if it is not properly controlled,” the minister said.

Further emphasising the graveness of the matter is the fact that a further 1,500 patients who suffer from kidney problems have been referred to “nephrology experts” after regular treatments have failed.

The minister cautioned, “These figures, although they may appear minute, are definitely a cause for concern as statistics show an annual increase of about 100 new cases of kidney-related problems. This will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the patient, his/her family, the community, and the government.”
Research figures indicate that in Brunei, over 55 per cent of cases involving kidney failure is directly attributed to diabetes.

He attributed the large figure to the disturbingly high percentage of residents living in Brunei who are obese, as obesity is the number one cause behind diabetes in the country.
“If diabetes is not controlled in its early stages, the number of kidney-related problems will also increase from its current rate,” Pehin Suyoi warned.

Diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin — a hormone that allows blood glucose (blood sugar) to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy.

According to doctors, diabetes results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, resulting in too much glucose staying in the blood. Elevated levels of blood glucose (hyperglycemia) can lead to spillage of glucose into the urine.

As a result of the elevated levels of blood glucose, body cells become starved for energy, and, over time, the high glucose levels can damage the nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

“Therefore, it is very important that preventive action is taken so as to prevent it from becoming worse. Diabetics must always control their blood-sugar levels to maintain it at a normal level, and reduce the risk of suffering from kidney-related problems,” Pehin Suyoi said.

He urged the community to strive for a healthier lifestyle saying that it’s everyone’s responsibility and not just for those who already suffer from diabetes or kidney-related problems.

According to figures from the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are currently some 180 million people who suffer from diabetes today, and experts predict that figure will double by the year 2030.

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