Fresenius Medical Care (FMS), a leading provider of dialysis products and services, recently encouraged victims of high blood pressure and/or diabetes to gain knowledge about kidney disease on World Kidney Day. High blood pressure and diabetes are twin causes of chronic kidney disease, which is a rampant health problem in the U.S.
Some 26 million Americans are afflicted by chronic kidney disease and many more are at heightened risk. Fresenius urges those at risk of chronic kidney disease to treat diabetes and blood pressure, as these conditions can lead to kidney failure.
Chronic kidney disease is a degenerative and often permanent loss of kidney function. When chronic kidney disease leads to failure of kidney, or end-stage renal disease, the treatment options are dialysis or kidney transplant.
Kidney disease has a heavier impact on Asians, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians, particularly the elderly and overweight. These groups are more prone to high blood pressure and diabetes, the primary causes of kidney failure.
Fresenius has developed many educational programs to spread mass awareness on chronic kidney disease and treatment plans. The Treatment Options Program (educational sessions) offered by the company is free for all and helps create an understanding about treatment options (when chronic kidney disease leads to organ failure).
Fresenius recommends a few steps for those who run the risk of chronic kidney disease. First, it is important to educate oneself about the disease. Then, at-risk patients should test their urine and blood and get their blood pressure measured at least once a year. High blood pressure must be regulated. Finally, it is important to manage one’s diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking.
German-based Fresenius Medical is the world’s largest provider of products and services for patients undergoing dialysis treatment. The company’s principal competitor in the U.S. is DaVita (DVA), which provides dialysis services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure or end-stage renal disease.
Fresenius operated a network of 2,757 dialysis clinics (up 8% year over year), across the world, at the end of fourth quarter 2010. The company provided dialysis treatment to 214,648 patients, up 10% worldwide, as of December 31, 2010.
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