World Kidney Day is an annual global awareness campaign held on the second Thursday of March to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and the impact of kidney disease. The campaign is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). It aims to educate the public about the importance of maintaining healthy kidneys and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide.

Kidney disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including high blood pressure, i nfections, and autoimmune diseases. However, diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). When your blood sugar is too high for too long, it can damage your kidneys, causing them to function less effectively over time.

Kidney disease is a growing health concern in India. According to a report by the BMC (BioMed Central Ltd), approximately The prevalence of CKD was observed to be 17.2% with ~6% having CKD stage 3 or worse. CKD risk factors were similar to those reported in earlier studies. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading causes of CKD in India, and the prevalence of both conditions is increasing. The report also notes that CKD disproportio- nately affects people from low-income backgrounds in India.

Kidney disease is a major contributor to healthcare costs in India. In 2019, The Economic Times reported that kidney diseases are fast becoming a silent killer in India, accounting for around 5-10% of the country's total healthcare expenditure. The same report stated that the cost of treating kidney disease in India can range from Rs. 3 to 20 lakhs per year.

Kidney disease often does not have any noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. However, some signs that may indicate kidney disease include fatigue, swelling in the legs or feet, foamy urine, high blood pressure, and changes in urination patterns. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor. Kidney disease can be diagnosed through blood and urine tests, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan, and kidney biopsies.

To help prevent kidney disease, doctors at Shantabaa General Hospital recommend the following tips for maintaining healthy kidneys:

1. Keep your blood sugar under control: If you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels within the target range recommended by your doctor. This can help prevent or delay the onset of kidney disease. Symptoms and Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

2. Control your blood pressure: High blood pressure can also damage your kidneys, so it's important to keep your blood pressure under control. This can involve making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, as well as taking medication if prescribed by your doctor.

3. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins from your body and keep your kidneys functioning properly. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

4. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet that's low in processed foods and rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help keep your kidneys healthy. This can also help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for reducing the risk of diabetes and other health problems.

5. Quit smoking: Smoking can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of kidney disease. If you smoke, quitting can help improve your overall health and reduce your risk of kidney disease.

Treatment Options for Kidney Disease

The treatment options for kidney disease depend on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may be recommended to help manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and other risk factors. If kidney function is severely impaired, treatment may involve dialysis or kidney transplant. In India, there is a shortage of donor kidneys, and the cost of transplantation can be prohibitively high for many patients. As a result, many patients in India rely on dialysis to manage kidney disease.

There are several ways to take care of your kidney health at home using Indian remedies. Here are some tips:

Avoid excessive salt intake:

Too much salt in your diet can cause high blood pressure and damage your kidneys. So, it's important to limit your salt intake and opt for healthier alternatives like herbs and spices.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to maintain a healthy weight, reduce stress, and improve overall kidney health.

Use herbal remedies: Some Indian herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varuna are known to be beneficial for kidney health. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner to know more about these remedies and how to use them.

Manage hypertension: If you have hypertension, it's important to manage the condition effectively to prevent kidney damage.


Get regular health check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help to detect kidney problems early and prevent further damage.

It's important to note that these remedies are not meant to replace medical treatment or advice. If you have any concerns about your kidney health, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner at Shantabaa today.


In conclusion, World Kidney Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy kidneys and the impact of kidney disease. If you have diabetes, it's important to take steps to manage your blood sugar and blood pressure and to make lifestyle changes that can help protect your kidneys. By working together, we can help reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease worldwide. Shantabaa general hospitals offer consultation and treatment at little to zero cost for those in need, and you can contact our expert doctors for any queries related to keeping your kidneys healthy.