Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is fast becoming one of the biggest health challenges worldwide, and India is now among the worst affected. A new report published in The Lancet revealed that India ranks second globally in the number of CKD cases, with 138 million people currently living with the disease. China tops the list with around 152 million cases.
The global study was conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. It analysed data from 204 countries between 1990 and 2023. It found that CKD is now the ninth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 1.5 million deaths last year alone.
Chronic Kidney Disease Is The New Silent Global Epidemic
According to the study, the highest rates of chronic kidney disease were reported in North Africa and the Middle East (18 per cent each), followed by South Asia (16 per cent). Researchers warned that CKD is a “silent epidemic.” Many people don’t realise they have it until it’s in an advanced stage.
Professor Theo Vos (senior author of the study and professor emeritus at IHME) said, “Chronic kidney disease is both a major risk factor for other leading causes of health loss and a significant disease burden in its own right. Yet it continues to receive far less policy attention than other non-communicable diseases, even as its impact grows fastest in regions already facing the greatest health inequities.”
How CKD Affects Your Heart
The study also revealed a strong connection between kidney and heart health. CKD was linked to nearly 12 per cent of all cardiovascular deaths in 2023, ranking as the seventh leading cause of heart-related mortality, ahead of diabetes and obesity.
This happens because damaged kidneys can’t remove waste properly, which increases blood pressure and strains the heart. Over time, this leads to serious heart problems, even in people who don’t have traditional heart disease risk factors.
The 14 Major Risk Factors For Chronic Kidney Disease
The study identified 14 key risk factors for CKD. The top causes were diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, which often occur together and worsen kidney function over time.
Other major factors include:
1. High salt intake
2. Low fruit and vegetable consumption
3. Smoking
4. High cholesterol
5. Physical inactivity
Experts warn that poor diet and lifestyle choices are making CKD more common in younger adults too. In India, the increasing use of processed foods, coupled with sedentary lifestyles, is contributing to the rising number of kidney-related cases.
How To Protect Your Kidney Health
The good news is that CKD can often be managed or even prevented with early detection and simple lifestyle changes. Doctors recommend:
1. Regular health checkups to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function.
2. Staying hydrated and avoiding excessive use of painkillers.
3. Limiting salt intake and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight.
5. Avoiding smoking and alcohol, which can worsen kidney damage.
Experts also highlighted that early screening is crucial, as most patients with CKD don’t show symptoms in the initial stages. The study’s authors noted, “Improving access to diagnosis and affordable care, tackling key risk factors, and investing in prevention strategies are essential to reduce the growing burden of kidney disease.”
