Obesity link to surge in Scots who need dialysis
SCOTLAND’S obesity crisis has led to soaring numbers of diabetics needing kidney transplants or dialysis.
Figures show 799 Scots began renal therapy, including dialysis or kidney transplants, between 2013 and 2017 because of diabetic nephropathy – a condition where their kidneys stop functioning.
By comparison, 378 people began renal treatment for diabetic nephropathy between 1993 and 1997.
About one third of people with diabetes – which is linked with obesity – go on to develop kidney disease.
Last night, health campaigners warned Scots to watch their weight in order to avoid the condition.
Angela Mitchell, national director of Diabetes Scotland, said: ‘Kidney disease in diabetes develops very slowly, over many years. It’s most common in people who have had the condition for over 20 years.
‘One in three people with diabetes might go on to develop kidney disease – that is why it is so important for everyone to know their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and take avoiding action if necessary.’
She added: ‘The single greatest risk factor for Type 2 diabetes is being overweight.’
The Scottish Renal Registry examined all patients who began renal replacement therapy, including transplants and dialysis, for kidney failure in Scotland.
Those with diabetic nephropathy accounted for almost 28 per cent of all new renal replacement therapy patients in Scotland between 2013 and 2017 – the single biggest group.
Of the 799 patients with the condition, 180 received transplants and the remainder began dialysis. A total of 2,893 began renal therapy in that time, with others receiving therapy for other types of kidney failure including problems caused by infection or health conditions. Most received dialysis.
Campaigner Tam Fry, chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘It is appalling that obesity, which in the majority of cases is eminently avoidable, can no longer be considered as a disease by itself.
‘If not fully treated and left to take hold, the patient is left open to contract a second or third co-morbidity [disease occurring at the same time as another illness] which may be more serious and life-threatening.
‘The Scottish Government must make its new obesity strategy succeed. If it fails, thousands more will have to suffer the same treatment.’
Scottish Tory health spokesman Miles Briggs said: ‘The significant increase in Type 2 diabetes and the knock-on need for kidney therapy due to this increase is concerning.
‘These are the life-altering issues that can be faced as a result of poor diet and lack of physical activity.
‘The SNP must ensure the NHS has the equipment and staff it needs to deal with these pressures in the short term and, in the long term, we need far greater thought and effort put into realistically encouraging Scots to eat better and move more.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘These figures show the number of individuals receiving renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Scotland has increased.
‘To support this, there are nine adult and one paediatric renal units across the country, complemented by 25 satellite dialysis units.
‘All hospitals are aware of the need to provide dialysis services that respond to the needs of individual patients and ensure as many people as possible get this form of RRT near their home, or place of work.’
‘Thousands more will have to suffer’