Hyderabad: Telangana recorded the highest rate of kidney disease in India, according to a new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and IndiaB. The findings show that about seven out of every hundred residents suffer from kidney-related problems.
Researchers surveyed 25,408 people across 31 states and Union territories. They found that 7.4% of Telangana’s population has kidney disorders more than double the national average of 3.2%. Therefore, Telangana now ranks first in the country for kidney disease prevalence.
Telangana leads India in kidney disorders
The report revealed that Goa recorded a similar 7.4% prevalence, while Bihar had the lowest at 0.8%. Experts warned that Telangana’s data points to a serious health challenge that demands urgent attention.
In addition, information from the Aarogyasri health insurance scheme supported the findings. Kidney-related treatments formed the largest share of cases covered under the state’s scheme.
High blood pressure and diabetes drive the silent epidemic
Doctors linked the growing crisis to the high incidence of hypertension and diabetes in the state. Both conditions steadily weaken kidneys over time. Moreover, unhealthy diets, high salt and sugar intake, and obesity are making the situation worse.
“Kidney disease has become a silent killer,” said doctors involved in the study. “Symptoms appear only after most kidney function is lost.”
50 lakh residents at risk as kidney cases rise among youth
Health officials estimate that nearly 50 lakh people in Telangana live with diabetes or high blood pressure. Alarmingly, the number of younger patients including those under 30 continues to rise each year.
Furthermore, doctors warned that overuse of painkillers, self-medication, and mixing medical systems such as Ayurveda, homeopathy, and allopathy are worsening kidney damage. Genetic factors, they added, are also increasing the risk.
Consequently, experts advised everyone above 30 years of age to undergo annual kidney function tests for early detection and timely treatment.