American Kidney Fund Reminds Those With Diabetes, High Blood Pressure To Pay Special Attention To Health Regimen

American Kidney Fund
Monday, 15 October 2001

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is asking Americans who have diabetes and high blood pressure to pay special attention to their health care routine in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the main causes of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or kidney failure. Once the kidneys fail, the only treatments are kidney dialysis or kidney transplantation.

With numerous government and private health agencies reporting an overall increase in anxiety, depression, stress, and sleeplessness, Americans who have chronic health issues may inadvertently neglect or disrupt their health routine. "Controlling your blood sugar is very important in preventing kidney failure if you have diabetes, just as controlling your blood pressure is the key to preventing ESRD if you have high blood pressure," said Dr. Gary Curhan, a kidney specialist and AKF board member. Careful monitoring and control of blood sugar and blood pressure can reduce the risk of developing kidney failure.

AKF Senior Director of Patient Services and LCSW Carol Lynn Halal added, "It is particularly important for people with diabetes and hypertension to stay with their health regimen, because the stakes are higher. "That may require a special effort as they feel -- like everyone else-- a little more distracted and a little less secure than they did before September 11."

For more information, or to contact American Kidney Fund, see their website at: www.akfinc.org