Chronic Kidney Disease is projected to be the 5th leading cause of death globally by 2040. Folks, it’s not getting any better. Currently, about 10% of the world’s population is affected by CKD. In 1990 it was the 27th leading cause of death, and by 2010 has risen to 18th. by 2040 it’s expected to skyrocket to 5th.
Here’s the basic research behind these projections from Perplexity:
AstraZeneca has conducted a comprehensive study called “IMPACT CKD” that provides a 10-year forecast on the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) across clinical, economic, societal, and environmental dimensions.234 The key findings from the IMPACT CKD study include:
- The study projects that by 2032, up to 16.5% of the population in 8 countries (US, Brazil, UK, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, China, Australia) could suffer from CKD, with a staggering 59.3% rise in advanced-stage cases.23
- The number of people with advanced CKD in these countries is expected to reach nearly 125 million by 2032, a 25% increase from 2022.23
- The economic burden of renal replacement therapy, including dialysis and transplants, is forecast to exceed $186 billion.23
- Dialysis requirements are projected to surge by over 75%, significantly contributing to the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint – equivalent to adding 17.3 million cars’ worth of CO2 emissions.2
The IMPACT CKD study is part of AstraZeneca’s “Accelerating Change Together (ACT) for CKD” initiative, which aims to improve understanding and outcomes of CKD globally. The findings underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to address the growing CKD burden through earlier diagnosis, optimized treatment, and effective policy reforms.24
What can readers of this blog do about this in their own back yard? If you or yours has diabetes hypertension or both have your kidneys checked out annually as part of your annual physical. A simple blood test produces eGFR which is the gold standard (It’s what the US VA looks at and only this) for the status of one’s kidneys. Do it.
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