Britons could be at a higher risk of kidney disease than they realise, a charity has warned, after identifying tens of thousands of people with an elevated risk.
More than 110,000 individuals have completed an online assessment run by Kidney Care UK since its launch in October.
Of those who used the online checker, nearly 50 per cent were found to be at elevated risk of developing kidney disease.
And now, the charity has expressed concern that too many people are receiving diagnoses only after their kidneys have already sustained damage.
Laurie Cuthbert, director of Kidney Care UK, urged people to take "a few minutes to check their risk with our online kidney health checker".
"The earlier chronic kidney disease is identified, more can be done to slow the decline in your kidney function," he said.
He also highlighted growing pressures on healthcare, noting that "dialysis units are struggling with capacity and the transplant waiting list is at the highest it has been for a decade."
The charity has emphasised the necessity of maintaining healthy kidneys and prevent kidney failure.
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Those concerned about their kidney health are being encouraged to speak with their GP and request kidney function tests.
Cuthbert said that anyone can develop kidney disease, with diabetes and high blood pressure being key risk factors.
The charity stressed that the online checker is not a diagnostic tool but rather indicates potential risk levels.
"The signs of kidney disease can also be confused with other conditions and illnesses," Cuthbert explained.
The charity launched its #BloodyAmazingKidneys awareness campaign earlier this year to address the lack of awareness about both risk factors and warning signs.
Cuthbert advised those identified as being at increased risk not to worry but to consult their GP for proper testing.
He recommended asking for blood and urine tests to check kidney function.
The latest figures from Kidney Care UK reveal a stark divide in risk assessment results.
Of the 112,150 people who completed the online tool, 50.3 per cent were identified as being at lower risk of kidney disease.
The remaining 49.7 per cent were found to be at higher risk of developing the condition.
The charity emphasised that anyone with concerns about their kidney health should consult their GP in the new year.
Healthcare professionals can then conduct appropriate blood and urine tests to properly assess kidney function.
Find Out More...
More than 110,000 individuals have completed an online assessment run by Kidney Care UK since its launch in October.
Of those who used the online checker, nearly 50 per cent were found to be at elevated risk of developing kidney disease.
And now, the charity has expressed concern that too many people are receiving diagnoses only after their kidneys have already sustained damage.
Laurie Cuthbert, director of Kidney Care UK, urged people to take "a few minutes to check their risk with our online kidney health checker".
"The earlier chronic kidney disease is identified, more can be done to slow the decline in your kidney function," he said.
He also highlighted growing pressures on healthcare, noting that "dialysis units are struggling with capacity and the transplant waiting list is at the highest it has been for a decade."
The charity has emphasised the necessity of maintaining healthy kidneys and prevent kidney failure.
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Those concerned about their kidney health are being encouraged to speak with their GP and request kidney function tests.
Cuthbert said that anyone can develop kidney disease, with diabetes and high blood pressure being key risk factors.
The charity stressed that the online checker is not a diagnostic tool but rather indicates potential risk levels.
"The signs of kidney disease can also be confused with other conditions and illnesses," Cuthbert explained.
The charity launched its #BloodyAmazingKidneys awareness campaign earlier this year to address the lack of awareness about both risk factors and warning signs.
Cuthbert advised those identified as being at increased risk not to worry but to consult their GP for proper testing.
He recommended asking for blood and urine tests to check kidney function.
The latest figures from Kidney Care UK reveal a stark divide in risk assessment results.
Of the 112,150 people who completed the online tool, 50.3 per cent were identified as being at lower risk of kidney disease.
The remaining 49.7 per cent were found to be at higher risk of developing the condition.
The charity emphasised that anyone with concerns about their kidney health should consult their GP in the new year.
Healthcare professionals can then conduct appropriate blood and urine tests to properly assess kidney function.
Find Out More...