Today is World Kidney Day: Dialysis Patient Citizens Call for Greater Education and Awareness in 2010

Diabetes is the Leading Cause of Kidney Failure; World Kidney Day 2010 Theme is "Protect Your Kidneys, Control Diabetes"

WASHINGTON, March 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In recognition of March 11 as World Kidney Day – a world-wide day created to raise awareness about the dangers and impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) – Dialysis Patient Citizens (DPC) encourages those at risk for developing CKD, particularly individuals living with diabetes, to learn more about kidney disease and how it can be prevented and treated.

Diabetes, which now impacts nearly 24 million people worldwide, is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S. and a major risk factor for CKD.  By 2025, 380 million people are expected to have diabetes.  Latest estimates include that more than 31 million Americans and 500 million people worldwide have CKD, and this number is also expected to continue climbing as its common risk factors, including diabetes, hypertension and obesity, are becoming ever more common.

"We are pleased that this year's World Kidney Day theme focuses on raising attention to the association between diabetes and chronic kidney disease, and we hope people across our nation and globally will take the time to learn more about the close connection between these two conditions," said Richard Bergenstal, MD, President, Medicine & Science, American Diabetes Association.  "Through early awareness and education, individuals with diabetes have the power to control their condition and avoid kidney disease while enjoying a full life.  

DPC and its members throughout the nation are undertaking a number of activities to help raise awareness of the link between CKD and diabetes in the hopes of helping others avoid kidney disease and its complications.  In addition to co-hosting a World Kidney Day fly-in event in Washington, D.C. today with the National Kidney Foundation, the American Kidney Fund and the American Society of Nephrology, DPC and its members are holding a variety of events around the nation throughout March to educate communities about CKD and National Kidney Month.  These include local advocacy days at state capitols; informational events at area churches, schools and community centers; and tours of dialysis centers to educate lawmakers and the public about treatment of kidney disease and kidney failure.

"DPC and our members are encouraged by the additional attention and resources dedicated to CKD awareness in recent years, most notably with Congress' passing of the CKD IV education benefit.  We are committed to working with lawmakers, patients and other patient advocacy organizations to continue to raise public awareness on how to delay or even avoid kidney disease progression," said Chad Lennox, Executive Director, Dialysis Patient Citizens. "Through World Kidney Day and beyond, our hope is to reach greater numbers of people with this important information this year."

For more information about World Kidney Day, visit www.wkdaction.org.

SOURCE Dialysis Patient Citizens