Every human being is bestowed with a pair of kidneys which are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist (10 to 12cm). They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine in flanks. Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water in the form of urine.
If Kidneys stop functioning, waste products accumulate in blood and cause their deleterious effects on other organs and systems of our body.
Kidneys get damaged by many causes off which Diabetes Mellitus is the leading one.
Kidney diseases can be prevented and even if they get damaged, prompt treatment in time can reverse the kidney injury and save the kidneys.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a term used to refer to several kidney diseases (usually affecting both kidneys).
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation and damage to the filtering part of the kidneys (glomerulus)

Some signs and symptoms of Glomerulonephritis are:

• Blood or protein in the urine (hematuria, proteinuria)
• High blood pressure
• Swelling of ankles or face (edema)
• Very bubbly or foamy urine
• Increased Lipids (Cholesterol) in the blood
• Increased Creatinine level in the blood

Glomerulonephritis is of many types the diagnosis of which requires a series of tests the most important of which is the test named Renal Biopsy in which a sample is taken directly from one of the kidneys (mostly Left) under ultrasound guidance after which the treatment is usually started.
Glomerulonephritis is usually treatable if diagnosis is made early and promptly.

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the pancreas does not produce enough Insulin or respond
normally to it, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high.

• Urination and thirst are increased, and people may lose weight even if they are not trying to.
• Diabetes damages the nerves and causes problems with sensation.
• Diabetes damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, and vision loss.

There are three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (diabetes while pregnant).

1. Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction (Our body attacks itself by mistake) that stops our body from making insulin. It is also called Insulin dependent Diabetes Mellitus.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity and Living a sedentary (inactive) life are the main causes for its development.
3. Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes while pregnant

According to an estimate, 573 million people (Ages 22-79) in the world are suffering from Diabetes Mellitus which is 1 in every 10th in the world.

Pakistan is the 3rd ranked country in the world (after china and India) to have the most number of Diabetes Mellitus cases. According to an estimate, 33 million people in Pakistan are living with Diabetes Mellitus.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is blood pressure that is higher than normal. Your blood pressure changes throughout the day based on your activities. Having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure (or hypertension).

• Hypertension: or elevated blood pressure- is a serious medical condition that significantly increases the risks of heart, brain, kidney and other diseases.
• An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries
• An estimated 46% of adults with hypertension are unaware that they have the condition.
• Less than half of adults (42%) with hypertension are diagnosed and treated.
• Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide.

Prevalence of Hypertension in Pakistan is 26.34% with higher percentage coming from Urban (26.61%) as compared to Rural (21.80%) population.

90 to 95 % of people suffering from Hypertension has no underlying cause to it.

Nephrologists are the doctors who are specialists in treating Hypertension.

Kidney Stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are medically treated by a Nephrologist if there is no surgical indication. Also if someone had stones in the past, a nephrologist can perform a thorough workup to find its cause in order to prevent stones from forming again.

Kidney services by Dr Muzzamil has medically treated hundreds of patients with kidney stones.