Those suffering from diabetes or hypertension are more likely to have chronic renal failure as well.

The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service said Monday that about 53 percent of those suffering from long-term kidney disorder had other chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

“We suspect such chronic disorders to affect one another,” the organization said in a press release.

The HIRA also noted that the number of people treated for kidney disorder marked 117,000 in 2010, about a 37.1 percent rise from four years ago. 

Males and older people were more susceptible to the disease.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)