Hawaii has the highest incidence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease in the country. Our diverse population has something to do with kidney health issues here.
"In the United States, there's about 26 million people that have what we call chronic kidney disease. Here in Hawaii, there's a little bit higher prevalence than other parts of the United States because of the makeup of our population,” said kidney specialist, Dr. David Naai.
That includes Native Hawaiians, Asians, Pacific Islanders. How do we get screened?
"Mainly through blood tests. Regular checkups with your doctor can reveal abnormalities in your blood. Also urine screening tests that should be pretty routine in most people's physical exams that they have yearly,” said Dr. Naai.
There are not many symptoms when kidney disease strikes. The kidneys process many of the toxins the body takes in, including excess potassium, alcohol and sweet drinks or juices.
"Can lead to excess calorie intake leading to things like obesity and diabetes which again are very strongly correlated with things like kidney disease,” said Dr. Naai.
To put it simply -- soda bad, water good.
"The amount that people take in can be more or less but it is important to hydrate yourself. It's one of the main ways that people can prevent chronic problems in your kidneys,” said Naai.
The other single most important thing you can do to help prevent or slow the advance of kidney disease? Stop smoking.
"Smoking definitely has an impact on the kidneys. Just like in heart disease, stroke prevention and other things - stopping smoking can actually help decrease your chances of getting chronic kidney disease because it does affect blood vessels in your kidneys just like it does in other parts of your body,” said Naai.
