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Kidney disease might not be something we often think about, but it is actually one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 10 percent of people globally suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), and millions lose their lives to it each year. The main job of kidneys is to remove toxins and excess water from the blood. They also help control blood pressure and even keep your bones strong. When they are damaged, they cannot do these jobs properly, leading to kidney disease. In fact, if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop kidney problems. Also, if any kidney disease progresses to failure, treatments like dialysis or even a transplant may be needed. If you want to know more about kidney diseases, we have answers from India’s top nephrologist.
On World Kidney Day 2025, Health Shots interviewed nephrologist Dr Bharat Shah, who has more than 30 years of experience. He answered some of the most common questions about kidney diseases to help us all better understand kidney health and how it functions.
Dr Bharat Shah: Kidney disease often does not show symptoms in its early stages, which is why so many people are unaware they have it. However, if the disease progresses or is not managed properly, you might start noticing some symptoms, including:
It is important to have regular checkups, as early diagnosis can help prevent the disease from worsening. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Dr Bharat Shah: That is right. Kidney disease is a major health concern, as per the World Health Organization. The most common causes are long-term diabetes and uncontrolled high blood pressure, especially when these conditions go untreated for years. Other causes include conditions like Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units), kidney stones, drug-induced kidney damage, and kidney cysts. Over time, these conditions can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, eventually, kidney failure. Poor lifestyle choices, like an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and smoking, can also raise your risk of developing kidney problems.
Dr Bharat Shah: Several factors can put you at a higher risk for CKD. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney issues, your chances of developing CKD increase. Additionally, being obese, smoking, or following an unhealthy diet can also raise the risk. Age is another factor—your risk goes up as you get older. If your kidneys are not functioning well, it can lead to complications like anemia, weak bones, fluid retention, gout, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Managing these risk factors early can help reduce the chances of developing CKD and its complications.
Dr Bharat Shah: Kidneys play a crucial role in filtering out waste and excess fluid from our blood, which is why we cannot live without them. There are several types of kidney diseases, each with different causes and effects. Some of the most common ones include:
Dr Bharat Shah: Diabetes is actually the leading cause of kidney disease. Around 1 in 3 adults with diabetes develop kidney problems, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. High blood sugar levels from poorly controlled diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste. Over time, this damage can lead to a condition called diabetic nephropathy, where the kidneys slowly lose their ability to function properly. If diabetes is not well managed, it can progress to kidney failure, and treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.
Dr Bharat Shah: If it is not treated, it can advance to kidney failure, which requires treatments like dialysis or a transplant. But it does not stop there—untreated kidney problems can also increase the risk of other serious conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and even worsening diabetes. The key to managing kidney disease is early detection and regular monitoring, which can help prevent complications and keep the kidneys functioning as well as possible.
Dr Bharat Shah: The tricky thing about kidney disease is that many people do not realize they have it until it has already progressed because there are often no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. This is why regular testing is so important, especially if you are at higher risk due to factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. To diagnose kidney disease, doctors typically use blood tests, like the serum creatinine test, to check how well your kidneys are working. Urine tests can also help by looking for protein or blood in your urine, which are signs of kidney damage. Additionally, imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans can give doctors a closer look at kidney health and any abnormalities.
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Dr Bharat Shah: Kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is a serious condition that occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter waste, remove excess fluid, or balance your body’s electrolytes effectively. When this happens, toxins build up in the body, which can cause symptoms like swelling, fatigue, shortness of breath, and confusion. Kidney failure also puts you at a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the National Kidney Foundation, other complications that can arise from kidney failure include:
If kidney failure occurs, there are two main treatment options: dialysis, which helps filter your blood artificially, or a kidney transplant, where a healthy kidney from a donor is transplanted into your body.
Dr Bharat Shah: Yes, kidney disease can often be prevented, or at least its progression slowed, by making some simple but impactful lifestyle changes. The key is managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, staying active, eating a kidney-friendly diet, and avoiding smoking. Here are some tips you can follow to prevent CKD:
Dr Bharat Shah: A kidney-friendly diet focuses on foods that reduce the strain on your kidneys. This includes low-sodium, low-protein, and low-potassium foods. Vegetables like cauliflower, bell peppers, and cabbage, along with fruits like apples, berries, and grapes, are great options. Whole grains like oats and quinoa provide fibre without overwhelming the kidneys. Avoid high-sodium foods like processed snacks and canned soups, and reduce protein intake, especially from animal sources.
Now that you have the answers to all the important questions about kidney diseases, make sure you take care of your kidneys and overall health.
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