Bhubaneswar: Uncontrolled diabetes and heavy metals in drinking water are major contributors to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Odisha, according to preliminary findings of an ongoing study being carried out by SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, and Vimsar in Burla.While 30-40% of kidney disease occurs due to uncontrolled diabetes, heavy metals in drinking water is said to be responsible for around 15% of CKD cases, the findings revealed. Of the 3,200 patients examined at the hospitals, 480 showed traces of heavy metals in their urine.Dr Bibekananda Kar, professor and head of nephrology department at SCB said, “During my study in Cuttack, Balangir and Jharsuguda districts, I found samples of drinking water containing heavy metals.”“Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension kill many people in the state and country every year. Safe and potable drinking water in CKD-affected areas can help reduce the cases,” said Dr Kar.He said the leading causes of CKD remain widely under-diagnosed and under-treated. “There are eight golden rules for kidney health — regular physical activity, healthy diet, adequate hydration, blood glucose control, blood pressure management, avoiding smoking, appropriate medications and regular kidney function test,” he added.Dr Sukanto Kishore Das, consultant nephrologist and kidney transplant physician, said diabetes and hypertension remain the leading causes of CKD; however, increasing attention is being drawn to CKD of unknown origin (CKDu) in several regions.He said many affected individuals are agricultural workers without traditional risk factors such as diabetes or hypertension. Environmental factors, including contaminated drinking water, heat stress, dehydration, and occupational exposure to agrochemicals are suggested as possible contributors, although the exact cause remains uncertain, Dr Das added.He said early detection, regular screening of high-risk population, healthy lifestyle practices, and timely access to dialysis and kidney transplantation can help patients.
