As the morning sun casts a glow over a dialysis ward in Delhi, the hum of machines serves as a stark reminder of the silent epidemic gripping India. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is surging across the country, affecting nearly 17% of the population, yet remains largely unnoticed. Many patients, once leading active lives, now spend hours tethered to dialysis machines, battling a condition they never saw coming. On World Kidney Day, experts emphasize the critical need for early detection and proactive management to curb the disease’s growing impact.

The Hidden Danger of Late Diagnosis

“Most people don’t realize their kidneys are failing until it’s too late. By the time symptoms appear, including fatigue, swelling, or breathlessness, the majority of kidney function is already lost. At this stage, the damage is usually irreversible, making early detection through routine screening crucial,” said Dr. Umesh Gupta, Director, Nephrology, Aakash Healthcare.

The insidious nature of kidney disease lies in its link to other chronic conditions, particularly diabetes and hypertension. “Uncontrolled blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste. This is why nearly 30% of diabetic patients eventually develop kidney disease. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is primarily caused by diabetes and hypertension in India. Both health conditions gradually damage the kidneys without causing symptoms in the early stages of CKD. As a result, the disease often remains undiagnosed until more than 80% of kidney function is lost,” explains Dr. Reetesh Sharma, Director & Head, Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Medicine, Asian Hospital.

The Heart-Kidney Connection

The relationship between kidney disease and cardiovascular health is deeply intertwined. “The kidneys and heart are deeply interconnected, working like two sides of the same coin. When the kidneys fail, excess fluid and toxins build up in the body, forcing the heart to work harder. This added strain can lead to high blood pressure, heart failure, and a significantly higher risk of strokes and heart attacks,” notes Dr. Soubeer Ghosh, Consultant, Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Medicine, PSRI Hospital.

The socioeconomic impact of CKD is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries like India, where treatment costs can push families into financial distress. “Kidney disease affects millions of people every year and, globally, it is a leading cause of death. As a strategy, India must focus on prevention rather than treatment, considering the country’s burgeoning population and the rapid spread of the disease. In low- and middle-income countries, the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is huge. Its prolonged treatment cost (like dialysis) and kidney transplant costs are unaffordable for a vast majority of people. Consequently, many families fall into a debt trap. Thus, it is ideal for us to follow an action plan that stresses regular screening, early detection, and effective treatment using advanced tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The earlier you detect, the better the chances of saving your life. It will help families avoid huge financial as well as health complications as the disease’s social and economic fallouts are far-reaching,” said Dr. Bilal Thangal T M, Medical Lead, NURA.

Barriers to Early Detection and Treatment

While early diagnosis can significantly improve patient outcomes, access to necessary screening and treatment remains a challenge. A report by the Indian Society of Nephrology highlights a stark disparity in dialysis availability, with only one center per 3 lakh people. This shortfall leaves thousands struggling to afford life-saving care.

“The biggest challenge in kidney disease is early detection. Routine tests like urine analysis and blood creatinine levels can identify kidney dysfunction long before symptoms develop, allowing for timely intervention. However, awareness about these screenings is still low, especially in rural areas, leading to late diagnoses when kidney damage is already advanced,” said Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor: City X-Ray and Scan Clinic Founder and Partner: City Imaging & Clinical Labs.

The Cognitive Impact of CKD

Beyond its physical toll, CKD also affects cognitive function. “When the kidneys fail to filter toxins efficiently, these harmful substances build up in the bloodstream and eventually reach the brain. This can lead to cognitive impairment, causing symptoms like memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog. Many patients describe feeling confused or sluggish, which can significantly impact their daily lives,” said Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital.

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The Way Forward: Prevention & Better Management

On World Kidney Day, healthcare professionals stress the importance of preventive measures, urging individuals to adopt kidney-friendly habits such as drinking enough water, reducing salt intake, and avoiding over-the-counter painkillers that can damage the kidneys.

“In diabetes management, maintaining a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level below 7% is essential through dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and medication. Newer diabetes medications not only control blood sugar levels but also provide kidney protection, slowing the progression of CKD and even benefiting non-diabetic patients by reducing urinary protein loss.
For hypertension management, a target blood pressure of less than 130/80 mmHg should be maintained through dietary changes, exercise, and medication. Certain antihypertensive medications offer kidney protection and should be prioritized in treatment plans. These drugs help manage associated cardiovascular diseases and delay the deterioration of kidney function,” said Dr. Mahendra Dadke, Consultant, General Medicine, Jupiter Hospital.

India’s kidney health crisis is accelerating, fueled by low awareness, late diagnoses, and limited access to treatment. With nearly one-fifth of the population at risk, experts stress that prevention, early detection, and improved healthcare infrastructure must be prioritized. Regular health check-ups, better diabetes and hypertension management, and increased public awareness campaigns can help curb this silent epidemic before it claims more lives.

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