Světový den ledvin 2010

Press Release
11 March 2010

Protect your kidneys, Control diabetes:
EDMA Observes World Kidney Day 2010

On the occasion of World Kidney Day 2010, EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, highlights the important contribution of the In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) industry to easing the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Brussels, 11 March 2010 – EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association, strongly supports the joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) which have themed this year’s World Kidney Day campaign ‘Protect your kidneys, Control diabetes’.

It is estimated that around 8% of the European population currently suffers from some form of CKD, and many of them are not aware of their condition. The number of people on treatments with dialysis machines or who have kidney transplants has doubled to 250,000 over the past fifteen years in Europe[1] and is rising sharply as CKD is linked to other diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity and cardiovascular disease. The most common risk factor is diabetes, with 40% of people with diabetes developing CKD as a consequence of their condition[2].

EDMA believes that it is important to monitor patients with diabetes by regularly testing their blood-glucose, urine albumin and serum creatinine levels for guaranteeing early detection of CKD. Thereby, IVD-based laboratory testing makes a vital contribution to the management of the disease and helps improve the quality of life of patients with CKD.

About EDMA
EDMA, the European Diagnostic Manufacturers Association represents National Associations and major companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture or distribution of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) medical devices in Europe. Through its affiliated National Associations, EDMA represents in total more than 500 companies (or over 700 legal entities) across Europe. The mission of EDMA is to raise awareness of the importance, usefulness and added-value that diagnostic information can provide to healthcare. For this purpose, EDMA cooperates with European institutions, patients groups, trade associations, health professionals and academia to support an appropriate regulatory system, to work towards a realistic economic environment for healthcare in Europe and to be an effective voice in globalisation.