Rising Kidney Disease in India: Experts Urge Early Screening

Kidney disease has become a silent yet devastating health crisis in India, affecting nearly 17% of the population. Experts emphasize early detection and better awareness to prevent the disease from escalating further. On World Kidney Day, healthcare professionals highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness, early diagnosis, and improved access to treatment to combat this growing epidemic.

The Growing Kidney Disease Crisis in India

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has quietly emerged as one of India’s most pressing health challenges. According to the Indian Journal of Nephrology, approximately 17% of the Indian population suffers from some form of kidney dysfunction. The situation is alarming due to the disease’s silent progression, late diagnosis, and limited access to effective treatment options.

The kidneys, crucial organs responsible for filtering waste from the bloodstream, balancing electrolytes, and maintaining overall health, often suffer damage without obvious symptoms in the early stages. This lack of early symptoms leads to delayed diagnosis, at which point the disease may have already caused irreversible kidney damage.

On World Kidney Day, health experts across the country raised alarms about this silent epidemic, stressing the urgency for early detection and raising public awareness.

Why Late Diagnosis is Dangerous

“Most people are unaware their kidneys are failing until the damage is extensive,” warns Dr. Umesh Gupta, Director of Nephrology at Aakash Healthcare. The kidneys perform essential functions like filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. However, by the time symptoms such as fatigue, leg swelling, or breathlessness appear, over 80% of kidney function is often lost.

The hidden nature of kidney disease stems from its slow progression and lack of early warning signs. Routine symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the legs or ankles, and breathlessness are often dismissed or attributed to less severe health issues, delaying medical consultation.

Diabetes and Hypertension: Leading Causes of CKD

In India, diabetes and hypertension are the two most significant contributors to kidney disease. Dr. Reetesh Sharma, Director & Head of Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Medicine at Asian Hospital, explains, “Uncontrolled blood sugar levels damage the kidneys’ delicate blood vessels, impairing their filtering ability. Nearly 30% of diabetic patients eventually develop CKD.”

Diabetes affects the kidneys by damaging the nephrons—the tiny filtering units—leading to decreased kidney function. Similarly, hypertension causes increased pressure in the kidneys’ blood vessels, impairing their ability to remove waste and maintain fluid balance.

Both conditions often go undiagnosed or poorly managed, especially in rural areas, exacerbating the kidney disease crisis.

The Heart-Kidney Connection

The kidneys and heart are interlinked in maintaining the body’s overall health. Dr. Soubeer Ghosh, Consultant Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Medicine at PSRI Hospital, explains, “When the kidneys fail, excess fluid and toxins build up in the body, increasing strain on the heart. This can result in high blood pressure, heart failure, strokes, and heart attacks.”

Patients with CKD frequently experience cardiovascular complications. This connection makes it crucial for patients with heart disease or hypertension to monitor their kidney health regularly.

Barriers to Early Detection and Treatment

Despite the possibility of preventing CKD through early detection and lifestyle changes, access to proper treatment remains a significant hurdle in India. A report by the Indian Society of Nephrology indicates that the country faces a severe shortage of dialysis centers—approximately one center for every 300,000 people.

Dr. Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and Lead Medical Advisor at City X-Ray and Scan Clinic, emphasizes, “Routine tests such as urine analysis and blood creatinine levels can detect kidney issues early. However, awareness of these screenings is low, especially in rural areas, leading to late diagnoses when kidney function is severely compromised.”

Many patients are unaware of routine kidney function tests, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention. Moreover, financial constraints and limited dialysis centers in rural and semi-urban areas create additional barriers to treatment access.

The Cognitive Impact of Kidney Disease

CKD affects more than just the kidneys; it also impacts brain function. Dr. Praveen Gupta, Principal Director and Chief of Neurology at Fortis Hospital, explains, “Toxins build up in the bloodstream due to kidney failure and eventually reach the brain, leading to cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and mental fog.”

These neurological complications severely affect patients’ quality of life, making early diagnosis and treatment even more critical.

Advances in Diabetes and Hypertension Management for Kidney Health

Managing diabetes and hypertension effectively is essential in preventing CKD. New diabetes medications have been shown to protect kidney function by maintaining glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels below 7%. These medications not only control blood sugar but also reduce urinary protein loss, benefiting non-diabetic CKD patients.

For hypertension management, the target is maintaining a blood pressure of less than 130/80 mmHg through lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and antihypertensive medications. Some of these drugs are kidney-protective and should be a priority in treatment plans, especially for those at high risk.

Dr. Mahendra Dadke, a leading nephrologist, stresses the importance of integrating these advanced treatment strategies to delay CKD progression and reduce cardiovascular risks.

The Urgent Need for Awareness Campaigns

One of the most significant challenges in addressing CKD in India is the lack of public awareness. Many people remain unaware of the disease’s early signs and the importance of routine screening. Health experts advocate for large-scale awareness campaigns, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is limited.

These campaigns should educate people about CKD’s symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of regular health check-ups, including kidney function tests.

Government Initiatives and the Way Forward

The Indian government has recognized the growing burden of kidney disease and introduced initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS), which includes CKD screening and management.

However, experts call for more targeted policies to increase the number of dialysis centers, improve access to kidney care in rural areas, and subsidize the cost of treatment for underprivileged populations.

Early detection remains the most effective way to manage CKD. Simple tests like urine protein analysis and blood creatinine measurements can help identify kidney issues early, allowing for lifestyle modifications and medical interventions that can slow disease progression.

Lifestyle Changes to Protect Kidney Health

Experts recommend several lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of kidney disease:

1. Healthy Diet: A diet low in salt, sugar, and saturated fats while rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps maintain kidney health.
2. Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity helps control blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
3. Adequate Hydration: Drinking sufficient water helps the kidneys filter waste more effectively.
4. Smoking Cessation: Smoking damages blood vessels, reducing kidney function.
5. Regular Screening: High-risk groups, such as diabetics and hypertensive patients, should undergo annual kidney function tests.

Personal Stories: The Human Face of CKD

Patients in dialysis wards across India tell heartbreaking stories of lives disrupted by CKD. Many were unaware of their condition until kidney failure required regular dialysis or even a transplant. Patients describe the immense physical and emotional toll of living with CKD, including the burden of regular dialysis sessions and the uncertainty of life without a kidney transplant.

For instance, Ravi Kumar, a 45-year-old diabetic from Delhi, recalls, “I never imagined that my uncontrolled diabetes would lead to kidney failure. The late diagnosis cost me much of my kidney function, and now I undergo dialysis thrice a week. It has been a life-altering experience for me and my family.”

The Role of Public Awareness Campaigns

Experts emphasize the importance of awareness campaigns to educate people about kidney health. Public health initiatives should focus on disseminating information about kidney disease, its risk factors, symptoms, and the significance of early screening.

Campaigns can leverage media platforms, community outreach programs, and educational seminars, especially on occasions like World Kidney Day, to spread awareness about kidney health.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers are urged to incorporate kidney health screening into routine check-ups, especially for high-risk individuals. Dr. Umesh Gupta stresses, “Routine screening for kidney function should be as standard as checking blood pressure or glucose levels. Early detection is the key to preventing CKD progression.”

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in educating patients about the importance of kidney health and ensuring they receive timely tests and appropriate care.

Challenges in Rural Healthcare Access

A significant hurdle in the fight against kidney disease is the lack of access to healthcare services in rural India. With only one dialysis center per 300,000 people, rural patients often travel long distances for treatment, delaying diagnosis and management.

Dr. Aakaar Kapoor highlights the need for mobile health clinics and increased government funding for rural healthcare infrastructure to bridge this gap.

Public Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about CKD is crucial in combating this silent epidemic. Public health campaigns must focus on educating people about the risk factors, symptoms, and importance of early detection.

Community programs, public health campaigns, and educational workshops can play vital roles in spreading awareness, particularly in underprivileged areas.

Chronic kidney disease is a growing health crisis in India, exacerbated by late diagnosis and limited access to treatment. Experts stress the urgent need for early screening and increased awareness to curb this silent epidemic.

By implementing routine kidney function tests, promoting lifestyle changes, and improving access to healthcare services, India can address this looming health crisis. Government action, healthcare provider involvement, and individual responsibility are crucial to managing kidney disease and improving outcomes for millions across the country.