Key points
- Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- About 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure has CKD.
- Adults with heart failure also have a higher risk of CKD.
Risk factors
Diabetes
CKD is common in people with diabetes. Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has CKD.
Each kidney is made up of millions of tiny filters called nephrons. High blood sugar from diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and nephrons so they don't work well.
High blood pressure
Approximately 1 in 5 adults with high blood pressure has CKD. High blood pressure can make blood vessels narrower, reducing blood flow. Over time, blood vessels throughout the body weaken, including in the kidneys.
Damaged blood vessels in the kidneys may no longer work properly. When this happens, the kidneys can't remove all wastes and extra fluid from your body. Extra fluid can raise your blood pressure even more.
Heart disease
Adults with heart failure have a higher risk of CKD because of reduced blood flow to the kidneys. Having CKD is also a risk factor for heart disease.
Family history of CKD
CKD runs in families. You may be more likely to get kidney disease if you have a close relative with CKD.
Obesity
Having overweight or obesity raises your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes, the two biggest causes of CKD. This means that having overweight or obesity puts you at greater risk for CKD.