IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay, December 28 - - “If you
are diabetic, you have a 43.8% chance of developing renal failure,” Dr. Michael
U. Abutazil, head of the Renal Transplant Unit of the Western Mindanao Medical
Center (WMMC), Zamboanga City said
during a media forum held recently at Sibugay Grand Plaza Hotel here.
Abutazil,
who is one of the coordinators of the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) of
the Department of Health together with the National Kidney and Transplant
Institute (NKTI) explained the importance of the kidney and its functions which
is to maintain balance of body fluid, produce a hormone called erythropoietin,
which stimulates the bone marrow to generate red blood cells and prevent
anemia, among others.
According
to Abutazil, 2003 census showed that Diabetes is the number one cause of renal
failure followed by hypertension. Today, kidney diseases rank as the number 10 leading
cause of mortality in the Philippines, causing death to 7,000 Filipinos every
year.
He
cautioned the use of herbal medicines and taking pain relievers as well as
antibiotics that are not prescribed by doctors. “Masisira ang ating kidneys
because it has not undergone processing to remove the toxins,” he said.
“Have
a healthy eating lifestyle and keep your weight in check, know your ideal body
weight,” he advised. Drinking 8-10 glasses a day for adults and 6-8 glasses for
children would also help, according to Abutazil.
To
prevent End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), one should have a yearly urinalysis.
Maintenance of normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure is very vital to
prevent kidney problems.
Dr.
Abutazil said treatment is expensive for ESRD which would require renal
replacement therapy such as dialysis and transplantation.
He
is looking forward to a healthy Philippines with the help of the REDCOP/NKTI,
PIA and the media which play a vital role in disseminating timely and accurate
information to the public. (JPA/ALT-PIA9/Zambo Sur)