By Dr. Marjan Maghami, Medical Director at Boehringer Ingelheim in Near East and UAE
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health burden, affecting nearly 850 million people – more than one in ten adults[i]. Yet, most cases go undiagnosed until the disease has already caused significant, and often irreversible, damage[ii]. Why are so many people unaware they have CKD until it’s too late?
CKD develops silently, often without obvious symptoms in its early stages[iii]. But with simple, widely available tests, it can be detected early, before leading to complications like heart disease[iv]. The challenge lies in making early screening a routine part of healthcare.
The Silent Threat
Your kidneys work around the clock, filtering toxins and excess fluids from your blood every 30 minutes. [v]Yet when they start to fail, the signs are subtle, often unnoticed, until kidney function is severely impaired.
Those most at risk of developing CKD include people who have other cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic (CRM) diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease because CRM diseases are highly interconnected[vi]. For example, approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes have chronic kidney disease. In addition, those with a family history of CKD or obesity may also be at risk of developing CKD.[vii]
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Two simple tests can help detect CKD early: a urine test known as urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) as well as a blood test referred to as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).[viii]
Despite their effectiveness, these tests are not routinely conducted[ix], leading to late-stage diagnoses that could have been prevented. Regular screenings, especially for those at risk, are key.
A Call to Action
CKD doesn’t exist in isolation. It is highly interconnected with other CRM diseases. A holistic approach to managing CKD is therefore essential.[x] Patients and those at risk must also commit to adopting a healthy lifestyle including healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management[xi].
The solution is clear: we must raise awareness, prioritize early detection, and incorporate kidney health into routine screenings. The time to act is now.
[i] Francis, A., Harhay, M.N., Ong, A.C.M. et al. Chronic kidney disease and the global public health agenda: an international consensus. Nat Rev Nephrol 20, 473–485 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-024-00820-6
[ii] World Economic Forum. (n.d.). Chronic kidney disease: A discussion paper for public health and health systems reform. World Economic Forum. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_CKD_discussion_paper_PHSSR.pdf
[iii] National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Chronic kidney disease (CKD). https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd
[iv] World Economic Forum. (n.d.). Chronic kidney disease: A discussion paper for public health and health systems reform. World Economic Forum. Retrieved November 5, 2024, from https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_CKD_discussion_paper_PHSSR.pdf
[v] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, June 27). What is kidney disease? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/about/index.html
[vi] Marassi M, Fadini GP. The cardio-renal-metabolic connection: a review of the evidence. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2023;22(1):195. Published 2023 Jul 31. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10391899/ Accessed November 13, 2024
[vii] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Chronic kidney disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/diabetes-complications/diabetes-and-chronic-kidney-disease.html
[viii] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Tests & diagnosis for chronic kidney disease (CKD). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/tests-diagnosis
[ix] Renal & Urology News. (2024, January 24). Glomerular filtration rate plus albuminuria for advanced CKD, ESKD risk assessment. Renal & Urology News. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://www.renalandurologynews.com/news/glomerular-filtration-rate-plus-albuminuria-for-advanced-ckd-eskd-risk-assessment/
[x] Karalliedde, J. (2025). Embracing a holistic approach to DKD, CVD and CRM comorbidities with empagliflozin. Omnihealth Practice. https://omnihealthpractice.com/article/6661c2a66e89e4728d76d067
[xi] American Kidney Fund. (n.d.). Managing kidney disease through lifestyle behaviors. https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/healthy-eating-activity
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