More than half of Spaniards are unaware of the risks of chronic kidney disease and its silent nature.

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More than half of Spaniards are unaware of the risks associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its asymptomatic early stages, according to a recent study. Although CKD affects about 15% of the adult population In Spain, the lack of information and prevention continues to be a critical problem. Lack of knowledge means that many people do not seek early diagnosis, leading to serious complications when the disease is already advanced.

CKD in the initial stages develops without obvious symptoms, which makes its early detection difficult. Although one in seven adults in the country suffers from this disease, Only 40% of the population regularly consults a doctor for tests that allow for early diagnosis. Campaign survey This is thing 2 and approved by organizations such as Alcer, Cardioalianza and FEDE, emphasizes that 62% of Spaniards do not see a doctor until symptoms become severe. which delays the detection of CKD and other related conditions.

62% of Spaniards do not see a doctor until symptoms become severe

One of the main findings of the study is that 60% of Spaniards do not know relationship between chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and heart failure. These three conditions are part of a complex network known as cardiorenal-metabolic diseases, where each affects the development of the others. However, this connection remains widely unknown to the population. Although most respondents are familiar with terms such as diabetes and myocardial infarction, few understand the impact of these diseases on the kidneys.

The widespread lack of knowledge about the hidden nature of CKD also leads to underestimation of its severity. More than 50% of respondents do not know about this. Type 2 diabetes can significantly increase your risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Moreover, only 12% of survey respondents acknowledged that CKD can progress without obvious symptoms, highlighting the need to increase awareness of this pathology.

Campaign This is thing 2 looking for Raise public awareness of the importance of early detection using simple tests such as measuring albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate. Both tests, available through urine and blood tests, are necessary to diagnose CKD in the early stages, when its progression can still be monitored. However, the study shows that more than 60% of Spaniards are unaware of these diagnostic tools.

Promoting education and preventive screenings, key factors in reducing the prevalence of the disease.

In addition, the study shows that 48% of Spaniards believe that people with risk factors such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes should have health checks every six months to prevent the development of CKD. Nevertheless, 56% of respondents admit that they are not familiar with the necessary preventive measures. to reduce the risk of developing this disease.
Vice-President of the Spanish Society of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (SEMG), Iginio Flores, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to the treatment of CKD, emphasizing that symptoms such as fatigue or swelling of the feet and ankles appear only in advanced stages. “It is important to implement early detection and education strategies at a general level to improve the prevention and treatment of these conditions,” Flores notes.