Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss in kidney function and has become a serious public health issue. The risk factor for CKD is not limited to one and it is more likely for people more than 60 years of age to have this disease. However, the prevalence of CKD is more in women as compared to men.

Diabetes 

Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure. More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes. Proper diet, exercise and medication can help manage diabetes and prevent the complications associated with it.

Obesity

One of the major risk factors for CKD in the twenty-first century is obesity. Glomerular hypertrophy and hyper filtration may accelerate kidney injury by increasing capillary wall tension of the glomeruli. Obesity may contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney damage through inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction.

Age

The risk for kidney disease increases for people over age 60 years of age. Over time, the kidneys lose some functions naturally, and old people are more likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the two leading causes of kidney failure.

Family History

Family members of CKD patients have a high prevalence of CKD and its risk factors. According to a study, nearly 23% of incident dialysis patients were close relatives with End-Stage Renal Disease patients. Hence, it is advised to screen the high-risk family members of those with CKD, in an attempt to prevent any kidney disease.

Ethnicity II  India is a culturally diverse nation with different people and ethnicity all across the country. The prevalence of CKD was analyzed in a cohort study carried out across the nation in 2013. The highest prevalence of CKD was observed as 46.8% in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 41.7% Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and 41% Delhi. The lowest prevalence was observed in Mysore and Bangalore in Karnataka state (4.2% and 4%, respectively).

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is the second major cause of kidney failure. High blood pressure or hypertension can be the cause of kidney disease as well as a symptom. Healthy kidneys help in the regulation of blood pressure. Therefore, keeping the blood pressure under control can help in the prevention of chronic kidney disease.

Smoking

Smoking can increase the risk of CKD through pro-inflammatory state, oxidative stress, glomerulosclerosis, and tubular atrophy. Smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day may increase the risk of CKD and each additional five cigarettes per day may be associated with an increase in serum creatinine by 31%.