Elderly people with hypertension, diabetes and high protein in urine, are always at risk of renal diseases. However, smoking and prolonged injudicious use of painkillers are adding a big number of such patients. Renal diseases can be prevented if efforts are positively made. City doctors say that kidney is among the three vital organs in the body. Former superintendent and nephrologist, Sawai Man Singh hospital, Dr L C Sharma, said, “As the person grows old, the kidney’s function and capacity also decreases. Glomerular filtration rate decreases at the rate of 0.3ml/month after the age of 65. So beyond 65, we do not accept any donor’s kidney.” Moreover, in case of chronic diseases, nephrologists said it becomes difficult for them to conduct kidney transplant over 65 years due to low immunity when the patient is suffering from hypertension and diabetes. “In such cases, we advise elder patients to opt for dialysis. Even at home, dialysis can be done,” said Dr Kamal Kaswan, senior consultant in nephrology in a private hospital. Dr Kaswan said people with blood pressure problem, blood sugar and high protein in urine are at high risk of kidney diseases. He added that people at high risk of kidney diseases, could slow down their body advancing towards it by taking proper medicines. Moreover, doctors advised people not to consume painkillers continuously for a long time as it affects kidney function badly. Smoking also affects kidney function, doctors added. WHO SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS? Kidney checkup is recommended for people having: Diabetes Those taking Hypertension painkillers for a long time Smoking habits History of Age above 60 kidney diseases years in family