What are the two leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

The two leading causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are hypertension and diabetes. Both conditions contribute significantly to the development and progression of CKD in older adults and the general population.

Hypertension can lead to damage of the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. Over time, this can result in a decline in kidney function and ultimately lead to CKD. Similarly, diabetes affects the kidneys through a condition known as diabetic nephropathy, which results from high blood sugar levels damaging the kidney's filtering units. Managing both blood pressure and blood glucose levels is crucial in preventing CKD.

While high protein diets and hypotension may have some links to kidney health, they are not the primary causes of CKD. The impact of a high protein diet on kidney function is more significant for individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions rather than as a leading cause. Hypotension, conversely, is typically associated with reduced blood flow to the kidneys rather than being a direct cause of CKD.