Understanding kidney health: What South Africans need to know

JOHANNESBURG – Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health concern, yet it often goes unnoticed until advanced stages, limiting opportunities for early intervention. 

Dr Chevon Clark, Chief Executive Officer of National Renal Care (NRC), said that in South Africa, the most prevalent kidney-related conditions include CKD, hypertension-related kidney damage, diabetic nephropathy, and glomerular disease. 

Community-based studies suggest that CKD affects between 10 percent and 17 percent of the population.

“Hypertension is the leading cause of CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), while diabetes contributes significantly, particularly through diabetic nephropathy,” Clark said.

“Rising rates of obesity and diabetes are expected to increase the burden of CKD in the coming years.”

Clark said advanced CKD can also lead to complications such as metabolic acidosis, anaemia, hyperuricemia, and electrolyte disturbances, often affecting multiple organ systems.