World Kidney Day on March 11 is being held to raise awareness of the importance of the kidney in maintaining good health. Throughout New Zealand a number of special events, aimed at promoting awareness of kidney disorders and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, are being led by Kidney Health New Zealand.

The fifth World Kidney Day will focus on diabetes, the commonest cause of kidney failure. This international event, marked in more than 100 countries, aims to raise awareness about the link between diabetes and kidney disease and the need for early screening and treatment to reduce the risk of kidney disease.

The Ministry of Health estimates there are approximately 195,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in New Zealand. About 40% of people with diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) which also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and other complications of diabetes.

Professor Lynn, Medical Director of Kidney Health New Zealand notes that "Maori and Pacific people with diabetes have an increased risk of getting chronic kidney disease and that one in three people on dialysis are Maori and one in five a Pacific person."

The treatment of kidney failure is expensive; costing at least $100 million in New Zealand. Kidney Health New Zealand estimates that there are about 200,000 people in New Zealand with significant CKD. At the end of 2008, there were 2099 people with kidney failure on dialysis in New Zealand. The number of people on dialysis in New Zealand is predicted to rise by four to six percent annually, at least until 2020, mainly because of the diabetes epidemic. Early detection and treatment of CKD in people with diabetes is very important as it slows or halts the progression of patients to kidney failure. Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. A simple test of urine and blood and a blood pressure check can reassure or detect if there are any early signs of kidney problems. A blood sugar check for diabetes can be done on a finger prick blood sample Dr Lynn says, "It is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidneys."

Dr Lynn says, "Good blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with diabetes are the best ways to reduce the risk of kidney damage. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising, stopping smoking, eating less salt and drinking less alcohol are also important."

To highlight how easy it is to screen for kidney disease and diabetes, Kidney Health New Zealand, with the help of kidney nurses and doctors from Wellington Hospital and the local Diabetes Society, will be offering blood pressure, urine protein checks and blood sugar tests for Members of Parliament and their staff at Parliament Buildings on 16 March.

Other community activities include Pacific Health Service Porirua where Kidney Health New Zealand will offer free kidney checks and blood sugar testing on 11 March and also at Auckland Pasifika 13 March, where information and free kidney checks will be available.

Polyfest 16-20 March in South Auckland where staff from the renal service at Counties Manukau DHB will be offering free kidney checks and advice.

" Diabetes New Zealand applauds the efforts of Kidney Health NZ in bringing kidney health to the attention of all New Zealanders" says Chris Baty, President, Diabetes New Zealand.