The number of people with renal failure is increasing throughout the world. As of 2009, it is estimated that the number of cases will double within the next 10 to 15 years, according to the text "Hazzard's Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology." There are several risk factors for end-stage renal failure, some of which can be prevented or managed.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is the No. 1 risk factor for renal failure in America, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with this disease have high levels of glucose in their bloodstream. Those with diabetes mellitus type 1 have high levels because the cells in the pancreas that should release insulin have been destroyed. People with type 2 diabetes mellitus have tissues and organs that are resistant to insulin. Insulin is responsible for keeping normal glucose levels in the blood. The high levels make the capillaries in the kidneys hard and thick, which increases the blood pressure in the capillaries and leads to renal failure, as explained by Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Hypertension
Approximately 24 percent of American adults have hypertension, according to the text "Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide." High blood pressure affects the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys. The high pressure in the blood vessels of the body leads to high blood pressure in the capillaries of the kidneys as well. Hypertension makes the walls in the capillaries of the kidneys thick, but eventually the capillaries will rupture and hemorrhage. Hemorrhaging means the kidneys receive less blood flow and since the red blood cells carry oxygen, when the kidneys do not have enough oxygen, they cannot function and begin to fail. If they lose enough blood and oxygen, this leads to renal failure.
Obesity
A person with a body mass index of 30 or higher is obese. The body mass index, or BMI, reflects the weight of a person compared to height. According to the CDC, 34 percent of Americans who are 20 years old and older are obese. Obesity is a risk factor for several health disorders, including respiratory problems, heart disease, certain cancers, liver disease, sleep disorders, gynecological problems, diabetes type 2, hypertension and end-stage renal disease. Because obesity increases the risk for developing diabetes mellitus type 2 and hypertension, and these disorders are risk factors for end-stage renal disease, physicians consider obesity a risk factor for renal failure as well.
Analgesic Nephropathy
Analgesic nephropathy describes damage to the kidneys from the long-term use of large amounts of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. This type of medication is also called an analgesic because it relieves pain. Initially, the kidneys have problems concentrating urine and holding onto sodium and protein. People may develop anemia, hypertension and blood in the urine. If there is too much damage, it can lead to end-stage renal failure, as explained by Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Obesity and Overweight
- "Hazzard's Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology"; Jeffrey Halter, M.D., Joseph Ouslander, M.D., Mary Tinetti, M.D. et al.; 2009
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Tubulointerstitial Nephritis
- "Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide"; Judith Tintinalli, M.D., Gabor Kelen, M.D. et al.; 2004
