Chronic Kidney Disease: A Growing Global Health Threat

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rapidly becoming a leading cause of death worldwide, driven largely by the increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and the overuse of analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications. World Kidney Day, commemorated on the second Thursday of March, serves as a critical reminder of the importance of prevention, early detection, and effective management of this often-silent disease.

The Rising Prevalence of CKD

According to Juan José Salazar González, head of Medical Programs in the Coordination of Second Level Units of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), approximately 2.3 million beneficiaries within the institute were identified as having some degree of kidney damage in 2025. Of these, around 85,000 require treatment with either peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Kidney transplantation remains the optimal therapeutic option for patients in the terminal stage of CKD.

Diabetes: A Major Risk Factor

In Mexico, diabetes poses a significant challenge, affecting 18 percent of adults – approximately 15 million people – with often inadequate control. Data from AstraZeneca indicates that around 40 percent of individuals with diabetes will eventually develop kidney damage [1].

The Importance of Early Detection

A concerning statistic reveals that only 2 percent of individuals with kidney failure in its early stages are aware of their condition, according to the National Health and Nutrition Survey. Early detection is crucial, as medications are available to slow the progression of the disease. These medications are accessible through institutions like the IMSS, highlighting the importance of preventative care and regular check-ups.

Silent Symptoms and Diagnostic Testing

One of the biggest challenges with CKD is its often asymptomatic nature in the early stages. Though, clinical tests can measure creatinine levels in the blood and detect protein in the urine, providing indicators of kidney health. When symptoms do appear, the condition is typically advanced, manifesting as fatigue, weakness, swelling in the legs or face, changes in urine, anemia, bone changes, or itchy skin.

Prevention and Self-Care Strategies

Protecting kidney health involves adopting a proactive approach to prevention and self-care. Key strategies include:

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, while limiting ultra-processed foods, fats, and refined flours.
• Drinking sufficient water to support optimal kidney function.
• Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Avoiding self-medication, particularly the frequent employ of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs without medical supervision.
• Controlling chronic diseases like diabetes, and hypertension.
• Attending periodic medical check-ups for early detection of any kidney-related issues.

Dialysis Modality Selection

For patients requiring renal replacement therapy, dialysis is a vital treatment option. A recent study analyzing dialysis modality selection at the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) found that 39.5% of patients were on hemodialysis (HD), 34.2% on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and 26.2% on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) [1]. CAPD patients tended to be older, more frequently female, and have lower education and income levels, while APD patients were predominantly male with higher education and income. Patients on HD were less informed and trained compared to those on peritoneal dialysis.

Of those patients who participated in the selection of their dialysis modality, a higher percentage chose APD (64.1%) and CAPD (66.0%) compared to HD (47.7%) [1].