Silent killers: Diabetes, kidney disease and hypertension link

Millions of people around the world unknowingly live with a deadly trio: diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Often, they only realise the connection when it is too late. Ahmed Sokwala, a consultant nephrologist at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) Nairobi, affirms that diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. “Because more patients have diabetes and high blood pressure, we’re seeing more kidney disease,” he explains. Other risk factors include heart disease, smoking, obesity and ageing.