Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 788 million adults worldwide, doubling since 1990, and remains a leading cause of global deaths.
One of the biggest health issues facing the world today is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has quietly come to light. According to The Lancet’s most recent Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, kidney disease now affects almost 788 million adults aged 20 and over globally, more than twice as many as there were in 1990 (378 million). Despite significant medical advancements, the prevalence and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are still rising, primarily due to diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and ageing populations (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease in adults, 1990–2023, and its attributable risk factors: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023
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).
Global Picture: 1 in 7 Adults Affected
In 2023, the global age-standardised prevalence of CKD stood at 14.2% (13.4–15.2) — a 3.5% (2.7–4.1) rise since 1990.
- Many people may not even be aware that they have early to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) (stages 1–3), as the majority of people (13.9%) do.
- In 2023, CKD claimed 1.48 million lives (1.30–1.65 million), making it the ninth most common cause of death globally.
- With a disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rate of 769.2 (691.8–857.3) per 100,000, it ranks as the 12th most common cause of the overall disease burden.
The study warns that impaired kidney function contributed to 11.5% (8.4–14.5%) of cardiovascular deaths — a startling overlap between heart and kidney health.
Regional Trends: The Chronic Kidney Disease Hotspots
- North Africa and the Middle East had 18.0% (16.9–19.4) prevalence, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (15.4%).
- High-income regions like North America and the Asia-Pacific had lower prevalence but alarming death rates.
- In the US, CKD deaths rose 189.1% (152.4–235.9) since 1990.
- Although prevalence (15.6%) remained steady in Japan, death rates fell 32.8% due to strong healthcare interventions.
India and South Asia: Rising but Underdiagnosed
While detailed country-wise data were not highlighted in this summary, South Asia, including India, has been identified as a growing hotspot for CKD. This rise is largely due to:
- High rates of CKD of unknown cause (CKDu), especially in industrial and agricultural areas;
- Poorly managed diabetes and hypertension,
- Restricted access to screening and early diagnosis
This “hidden epidemic” threatens to overwhelm public health systems if left unchecked.
Top Culprits of CKD: Metabolic and Lifestyle Factors
According to the study, the three main risk factors for CKD-related disability and death worldwide are high systolic blood pressure, elevated body mass index (BMI), and high fasting plasma glucose.
Changes in lifestyle, such as improved nutrition, exercise, and diabetes control, can frequently prevent these risk factors.
CKD and the Heart: A Dangerous Duo
In addition to harming the kidneys, chronic kidney disease (CKD) raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure considerably. According to the report, kidney dysfunction accounts for more than one out of ten cardiovascular deaths (11.5%), highlighting the close relationship between the kidneys and the heart.
Hope Through Science: Slowing the Decline
Fortunately, the field of kidney care is evolving due to new treatments. It has been demonstrated that contemporary medications like SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists can improve heart health and slow the progression of kidney disease.
Experts stress that public health initiatives, early detection, and awareness campaigns continue to be the cornerstones of prevention, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
CKD By the Numbers (2023 vs 1990)
| Indicator | 1990 | 2023 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global CKD cases (adults ≥20 yrs) | 378 million (354–407) | 788 million (743–843) | +108.2% |
| Global prevalence | 13.7% | 14.2% | +3.5% |
| Deaths due to CKD | 0.74 million | 1.48 million | +100% |
| Share of cardiovascular deaths due to kidney dysfunction | — | 11.5% | — |
Data concerning diabetes or hypertension no longer covers up the silent killer that is chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is a worldwide epidemic that kills over a million people annually and affects one in seven adults. Millions can avoid end-stage kidney failure through lifestyle changes, improved blood pressure and blood sugar control, and early screening.
As the authors conclude:
Reference:
- Global, regional, and national burden of chronic kidney disease in adults, 1990–2023, and its attributable risk factors: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 – (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(25)01853-7/fulltext)
Source-LANCET