Kidney diseases are on the rise in the Maldives. While diabetes, hypertension, and poor diet have become common, they are harming your kidneys. Maldivians are at risk of kidney-related issues due to certain lifestyle habits.
But the good news is that most kidney diseases can be treated, managed, and even prevented. Make some simple lifestyle changes, be active, focus on a balanced diet, and consult with nephrology specialists to keep your kidneys healthy.
Let us understand how food and lifestyle are connected to your kidney health. The importance of vascular access for dialysis.
Let us also learn how AV fistula is an effective method of vascular access.
If you are struggling with complex kidney issues, and you are depending on external factors to perform your kidney functions, Hemodialysis is an effective treatment.
Hemodialysis is a procedure that helps in filtering excess fluids and waste from the blood.
Our dialysis centre uses dialyzers for this procedure. An access or a pathway is required to perform dialysis. This access is achieved through vascular access.
Vascular access is a surgical pathway created through the bloodstream that helps the passage of blood in and out of the body.
There are many types of vascular access like AV fistula, AV graft, perma catheter, temporary catheter, etc.
AV (arteriovenous) fistula is considered the best vascular access and a golden standard for dialysis. AV fistula has a lower risk of infections and complications while offering long-term benefits.
An AV fistula is an access performed surgically to connect an artery and a vein. This is usually created in the arm. The creation of a large and strong vein is important so it can handle the high blood flow needed for dialysis.
An AV fistula is preferred by vascular access specialists compared to a graft or catheter because it is durable and lower risk of complications.
If you are advised dialysis for your kidney problems, it is important to get an AV fistula before you start your dialysis journey. An expert vascular access specialist will consider your situation and decide which access will suit your treatment option.
Ideally, it is created 3-4 weeks prior to the treatment as it takes time to mature and it should be observed to analyse its usage.
An AV fistula is suitable for most of the dialysis patients. It provides better outcomes for individuals who are under the age of 60.
Here are certain factors that might affect AVF suitability:
An AV fistula is an exceptional vascular access option as it is performed by a vascular access specialist. It is a long-term solution for dialysis access, as it is created with the patient’s veins, and there is less chance of infections, clotting, and complications.
AV fistulas last longer and provide better outcomes when compared with other vascular access options.
A patient on AV fistula can undergo dialysis with fewer complications and lead a stressless healthcare journey.
A Vascular access specialist has to be consulted for creating an AV fistula. Our expert vascular access specialists are urologists trained in vascular access. They are focused on providing you with the best diagnosis, and evaluation of veins and guiding you with the most suitable type of vascular access tailored to your specific condition.
Chronic kidney diseases and end-stage renal disease have been on the rise in the Maldives. The contributing factors are as follows:
Diabetes
As per WHO, the prevalence of diabetes is rising rapidly in the Maldives. Around 14.8% of adults in the Maldives are living with diabetes currently and increasing every day.
High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which affects their ability to filter waste and fluid from the body.
Hypertension
High blood pressure or hypertension can also be a vital factor affecting kidney health. You are at risk of kidney disease if your blood pressures are uncontrollable. A bad diet that includes high consumption of salt can cause hypertension.
High blood pressure strains your kidneys and might lead to kidney failure in the long run if not treated.
Did you know that 30-40% of adults in the Maldives are affected by hypertension?
Diagnosing and treating your hypertension proactively is important to safeguard your kidneys.
Maldivian cuisines combine locally available ingredients like fish, rice, coconuts, and vegetables. Even though they have the required nutrients, certain habits can cause kidney-related issues.
High sodium (salt) intake is directly correlated with kidney diseases. High intake strains your kidneys and makes them work harder to digest salt. This leads to long-term kidney damage.
According to WHO every individual should limit their salt intake to less than 2300 milligrams. Salt in any form (fish, pickle, chili, tuna, garudhiya, mas huni) should be avoided.
Fish-based foods are high in Omega-3 fatty acids. They have anti-inflammatory properties which help in managing good heart and kidney health. However, consuming preserved fish (by drying or salting) has increased sodium levels.
This negates the benefits of Omega3 and adversely affects your kidney function.
Coconuts are considered as good fats. As they are high in calories it might lead to weight gain and obesity if consumed in abundance.
Obesity is another major factor causing kidney disease. Obesity pressurises kidneys and is an underlying factor causing diabetes and hypertension.
Rice is a fundamental part of the Maldivian diet. Rice provides necessary carbs for energy. Excessive rice eating can lead to diabetes and further lead to kidney diseases. Diabetic people are at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
If your diet does not include enough fresh fruits and vegetables, you are missing out on a lot of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
If you are relying on packaged foods rather than fresh fruits and vegetables, you are at risk of developing kidney stones or other kidney problems.
Kidney concerns associated with hypertension are a rising concern in the Maldives. Poor diet with high salt intake, unhealthy fats, with low fruit and vegetables can be the factors affecting kidney health.
Adopt healthy food options, exercise, and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of kidney-related problems.
For patients requiring dialysis, AV fistula is preferred as it is an effective way to manage dialysis access and improves the quality of life. If you or a family member is dealing with kidney disease, consult with our expert nephrologists and vascular access specialists to discuss the best treatment option curated for your individual needs.
At NU Hospitals Dialysis Centre and Clinic – Hulhumale Maldives, we offer world-class kidney care. Our multi-disciplinary team of specialists guides you about your kidney disease and offers personalized treatments to help you manage and treat your kidney disease.
For more information schedule an appointment through our website
Since 1999, we have been honoured with numerous awards for our dedication to transforming lives and commitment to excellence.
NO. 1
National level Single-speciality
Hospitals - NU Hospitals,
Rajajinagar
at
Times of India
Health Survey 2024
NO. 2
National level Single-speciality
Hospitals - NU Hospitals,
Padmanabhanagar
at
Times of India
Health Survey 2024
NO. 3
No.1 Hospital in Bengaluru
for Nephrology and
Urology Services
at
The Outlook–NEB
Research 2024
NO. 4
No. 6th Hospital in India for
Nephrology and
Urology Services
at
The Outlook–NEB
Research 2024
NO. 5
First ABO incompatible kidney
transplant in the Malnad
region of Karnataka
at
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Bangalore
NO. 6
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"Great Place to Work
Certification"
at
NU Hospitals
Bangalore
NO. 7
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Managing Director NU Hospitals
Awarded "Top 100 Great People Manager"
at
NU Hospitals
Bangalore
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