Kidney Disease Often Remains Silent Until Late Stages, Warn Doctors on World Kidney Day
Doctors have raised concerns over the growing burden of kidney disease in India, warning that the condition often develops silently and remains undetected until advanced stages. Marking World Kidney Day 2026, specialists at CARE Hospitals emphasised that regular screening, early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle changes are essential to prevent serious kidney complications.
Health experts say kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent condition” because many patients do not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages. As a result, the disease frequently goes undiagnosed until it has progressed significantly.
According to doctors, kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood, maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood pressure and supporting several essential body functions. However, damage to the kidneys can gradually impair these functions, affecting overall health.
Medical experts estimate that nearly 10–15 percent of the Indian population may be affected by some form of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), while a significant number of cases remain undetected due to lack of awareness and absence of early symptoms.
Doctors warn that the rising prevalence of conditions such as Diabetes and Hypertension in India has significantly increased the risk of kidney disease. These conditions are among the leading causes of kidney failure.
Explaining the link, Dr. P. Vikranth Reddy, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant – Nephrology at CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, said many people remain unaware that kidney disease can develop silently over several years.
“Diabetes and high blood pressure are two major risk factors that gradually damage the kidneys. Persistently high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels that filter waste, while uncontrolled blood pressure places excess strain on these vessels. Regular health screening is essential, especially for individuals with these conditions, to detect kidney problems early and prevent complications,” he said.
Doctors caution that ignoring kidney disease can lead to progressive damage and eventually kidney failure, a stage where the kidneys are unable to perform their vital functions. At this stage, patients may require dialysis or kidney transplantation to survive.
Untreated kidney disease can also lead to complications such as fluid retention, anemia, bone disorders, cardiovascular disease and electrolyte imbalance.
Doctors advise the public to watch for early warning signs that may indicate kidney problems. These include swelling in the feet, ankles or around the eyes, changes in urination patterns, foamy or blood-tinged urine, persistent fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, muscle cramps, sleep disturbances and uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Dr. Ratan Jha, Clinical Director and Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at CARE Hospitals, emphasised the importance of preventive care.
“Kidney disease is largely preventable if risk factors are managed early. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, following a balanced diet with reduced salt intake, staying physically active and avoiding unnecessary use of painkillers can significantly reduce the risk of kidney damage,” he said.
Doctors further noted that individuals above 40 years of age, those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity or a family history of kidney disease should undergo regular screening. Simple blood and urine tests can help detect kidney disease in its early stages.
With advancements in medical technology, modern nephrology care now offers improved diagnostic evaluation, high-efficiency dialysis therapies and comprehensive kidney transplant programmes that help patients manage kidney disease more effectively.
As part of World Kidney Day initiatives, CARE Hospitals will conduct awareness programmes, educational sessions and preventive health check-ups to encourage early detection and better management of kidney-related conditions.
Doctors emphasised that awareness, regular screening and healthy lifestyle choices remain the most effective measures to reduce the growing burden of kidney disease in India.