Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said last December that some 15 percent of Malaysians suffer from the disease at various levels, without displaying symptoms at the early stage.
"By the time the patient starts showing symptoms, often they are already at a more serious level," he quoted telling an online event on kidney health in Kuala Lumpur.
According to Health Ministry statistics, kidney patients in the country comprised 55 percent men, and 45 percent women, with the majority of them aged 55 and above.
The statistics also show that 69 percent of kidney failures happen due to diabetes and the number is worryingly, increasing every year.
Smokers are also prone to the condition, health experts have warned.
In conjunction with World Kidney Day observed today, here are some warning sings that there may be something wrong with your kidneys:
- You are constantly tired, have less energy or have trouble concentrating
- You have trouble sleeping
- You have dry and itchy skin
- You feel the urge to urinate more often
- And when you, your discharge is foamy, or has blood in it
- You have persistent puffiness around your eyes
- Your ankles and feet are swollen
- You have poor appetite
- Your muscles are cramping
- You experience shortness of breath
Now that you have seen the symptoms, here are some quick tips to keep your kidneys healthy, and you, happy:
- Stay active and keep fit
- Keep your blood sugar levels under control
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Observe a healthy diet and monitor your weight
- Do not smoke
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Have your kidney function tested if you fall in the high risk group
- Keep your medications in check, especially the over-the-counter ones
Source: Bernama, lexology.com, Google
Photo source: lifelinescreening.com