North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is reportedly receiving regular kidney dialysis, raising speculation that his health may be deteriorating.
| Mortality rate once you get on dialysis is about 8 - 10% a year even in the best of hands. |
According to Japanese daily Sankei Shimbun, the 68-year-old dictator, who has a history of heart disease and is believed to have suffered a stroke in August of last year, could be suffering from complications from diabetes.
The newspaper said the South Korean and Japanese governments were informed of Kim's health status last fall. The report added that Kim tends to receive treatment before he meets with foreign guests to show that he is in good health. |