Dr Fountain On Kidney Awareness Month
Dr. Annabel Fountain is raising awareness about the connection between diabetes and kidney disease during National Kidney Month.
A spokesperson said, “Dr. Annabel Fountain of Fountain Health is raising awareness about the connection between diabetes and kidney disease during National Kidney Month. People living with diabetes are at a much higher risk for developing kidney disease.
“High blood sugar levels secondary to diabetes can cause damage to the kidneys. Diabetes occurs when your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly. Sometimes very high sugar levels can cause dehydration which can cause acute kidney injury. Acute means that it happens very quickly and often can be reversed e.g., by rehydration.
“Chronic kidney disease [CKD] happens very slowly and many people don’t know they have it. Advanced kidney failure is also known as End Stage Renal disease [ESRD] – this is when people need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
“March is designated as National Kidney Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of the kidneys to a person’s overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and associated health problems.”
Dr. Fountain, a Bermudian endocrinologist, said, “We don’t know exactly how many people in Bermuda have CKD, however around 250 people have end stage renal disease and are either on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. This is a much higher rate compared to the US.
“Approximately one in three adults with diabetes has CKD and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can cause kidney disease. Development of chronic kidney disease is insidious, usually without any symptoms, so it is important for those living with diabetes to have the appropriate screening tests to identify any issues early, when they are treatable.
“People living with diabetes should have urine and blood tests at least once per year. There are lifestyle adjustments and medications that can be implemented to prevent progression of kidney disease and we have excellent nephrologists in Bermuda to refer to.
“Blood sugar control is imperative, but other factors may also contribute to kidney damage such as high blood pressure, gout, and certain medications. Unfortunately, individuals often don’t make the changes needed until significant damage has occurred.
“If you have diabetes, regular testing is your best chance for identifying CKD early. The progression of CKD to end stage renal disease can be halted or delayed through lifestyle changes, medications and other factors. If you don’t know you have it, you may find out when it’s too late to make a difference.”
The spokesperson said, “Dr. Fountain completed her training in the UK and returned to Bermuda in 2010. She is a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and internal medicine and provides care to people with a range of health conditions and disorders related to hormones, including diabetes. Dr Fountain works closely with her nephrology colleagues to ensure that anyone with signs of chronic kidney disease are referred early to maximise the potential to avoid kidney failure.
“Visit fountainhealth.bm for more information about diabetes and treatment, education and support of the condition.”
Read More About
Category: All
