Hemodialysis 101 | The High Incidence of Chronic Kidney Disease in China: Causes and Preventive Measures

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive, incurable condition with high morbidity and mortality rates, characterized by kidney damage due to various causes. The 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD2019) indicated that, as of 2019, there were 150.5 million CKD patients in China. The prevalence rate increased from 6.7% in 1990 to 10.6% in 2019, making CKD a significant chronic disease affecting human health.

I. Four Major Causes to be Aware Of

1. Hidden Symptoms

Patients often have no symptoms or only mild symptoms in the early stages, which are frequently overlooked by patients and their families, leading to progression to an irreversible stage.

2. Increased Disease Burden

Hypertension and diabetes are core drivers of CKD development and are often comorbid. These conditions gradually lead to kidney complications, highlighting the importance of managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent CKD.

3. Aging Population

The incidence of CKD is increasing among the elderly, particularly those aged 60 and above. This is likely due to the rapid decline in organ function with age, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and weakened resistance, immunity, and ability to clear vascular toxins.

4. Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease

Impaired kidney function, high systolic blood pressure, high fasting blood glucose, high body mass index, high salt intake, low temperature, lead exposure, and high temperature.

II. Three Key Preventive Measures

1. Enhance Physical Fitness

Adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, moderate exercise, smoking cessation, alcohol limitation, and mental balance to strengthen the body and prevent primary diseases.

2. Regular Check-ups

Regularly check urine, blood, kidney function, and renal ultrasound to detect abnormalities early and intervene promptly to prevent further disease progression. Urine tests are the simplest and most reliable method for detecting chronic kidney disease.

3. Raise Awareness of CKD Prevention

Be conscious of avoiding high-protein, high-sugar, and high-fat foods; use medications reasonably and avoid overuse to reduce the risk of kidney disease.

Currently, China spends hundreds of billions of yuan annually on CKD treatment, with the average hospitalization cost for end-stage renal disease patients exceeding tens of thousands of yuan, imposing a heavy economic burden on the healthcare system and families. It is crucial to emphasize disease awareness and prevention, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and prevent chronic kidney disease from becoming a "silent killer," protecting our health from the disease.

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References:

1. Sun Ke, et al. Trends and Predictions of Chronic Kidney Disease in China from 1990 to 2019. Chinese Journal of Disease Control, 2024, 28(03), 262-268.

2. Wang Shihong, et al. Forecasting Incidence and Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in China from 2020 to 2029 Based on Time Series Models. Chinese Journal of Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, 2023, 31(11), 801-806.

3. Zhang Kai, et al. Study and Trend Prediction of the Burden of Chronic Kidney Disease Attributable to High Salt Diets in China from 1990 to 2019. Modern Preventive Medicine, 2023, Vol. 50, No. 15.

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