Perspectives on Awareness, Detection, and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) High-Risk Groups: Who Should Get Screened Early?

Diabetes patients
Hypertension patients
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients
Individuals with a family history of kidney disease
Individuals with a history of acute kidney injury (AKI)
Individuals who have experienced preeclampsia or pregnancy-related kidney injury
Individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome
Long-term users of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

1. Introduction: The Importance of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Awareness

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and various international health organizations have emphasized the importance of early detection and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD affects approximately 10% of the global population, impacting more than 700 million people, with a particularly high burden in low-income (LICs) and lower-middle-income countries (LMICs). About 80% of CKD patients reside in LICs and LMICs, with one-third of the global CKD population concentrated in China and India.

The prevalence of CKD increased by 33% between 1990 and 2017 due to factors such as population growth, aging, and the obesity epidemic, leading to a rise in key risk factors like diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, pregnancy-related acute kidney injury, premature birth, and environmental threats (e.g., infections, toxins, climate change) are significant contributors to CKD burden.

2. When Is Early Detection of CKD Necessary?

2.1. CKD High-Risk Groups

Early detection of CKD is not necessary for everyone but is particularly critical for individuals in high-risk categories. The major high-risk groups include:

Diabetes patients: Poor blood sugar control increases the risk of kidney damage.
Hypertension patients: Persistent high blood pressure puts strain on the kidneys, leading to CKD.
Cardiovascular disease patients: CKD and cardiovascular disease are closely linked, often coexisting.
Individuals with a family history of kidney disease: Certain genetic factors (e.g., APOL1 mutations common in West African ancestry) increase CKD risk.
Individuals with a history of acute kidney injury (AKI): Those who have experienced AKI are at higher risk of progressing to CKD.
Individuals who have experienced preeclampsia or pregnancy-related kidney injury: Women with pregnancy-related kidney issues are at increased risk of CKD.

3. CKD Early Detection Methods and Useful Tips

3.1. Screening Methods

To assess kidney health, the following tests are recommended:

Blood pressure measurement: Hypertension is a leading cause of CKD, making regular monitoring essential.
Body mass index (BMI) evaluation: Obesity increases the risk of CKD due to its link to diabetes and hypertension.
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test: Essential for evaluating kidney health in diabetic patients.
Serum creatinine test: Measures kidney function by estimating the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).
Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) test: A key indicator for detecting early kidney damage.

3.2. Lifestyle Management for CKD Prevention

Maintain a healthy diet: Reduce sodium intake and consume kidney-friendly proteins and fiber-rich foods.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water supports kidney function.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels, reducing CKD risk.
Be cautious with medications: Avoid excessive use of NSAIDs and medications that may harm kidney function.

4. Box 1: Perspectives on CKD Awareness, Detection, and Treatment

“I never received a full explanation from my doctor, so I had difficulty understanding what was wrong with me.”

“I asked about kidney health, but all the answers were too technical and filled with medical jargon.”

“I didn’t know what CKD meant, so I couldn’t explain it properly to others.”

“I had urine tests before, but I didn’t understand what the results meant.”

“At first, being diagnosed with CKD was overwhelming, but later, I took charge of my health and started discussing it actively with my primary care doctor.”

5. References

Vassalotti, J. A., Francis, A., Soares dos Santos Jr, A. C., et al. (2025). “Are Your Kidneys Ok? Detect Early to Protect Kidney Health.” Kidney International Reports, 10(3), 629–636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ekir.2025.01.033

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