- βHigh blood sugar identified as the #1 modifiable risk factor for kidney disease β giving diabetes patients a clear target for prevention
- βMost CKD is caught in early stages (1β3), where timely treatment and glucose control can slow or halt progression
- βStudy highlights that regular kidney screening for diabetes patients can dramatically improve outcomes before symptoms appear
| Journal | Lancet (London, England) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Authors | Mark, Stafford, Grams |
| PMID | 41213283 |
What Was Studied β and Why It Matters to You
Researchers from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023 tracked chronic kidney disease (CKD) across 204 countries from 1990 to 2023. Their goal was to understand how widespread kidney disease has become, what's causing it, and how many lives it's costing. The findings, published in The Lancet, are a wake-up call β especially for people living with diabetes, since high blood sugar is one of the top drivers of kidney damage worldwide.
What the Study Found
The numbers are striking. In 2023, an estimated 788 million adults had chronic kidney disease globally β more than double the 378 million recorded in 1990. That means roughly 1 in 7 adults worldwide is now living with some degree of kidney disease.
- CKD is now the 9th leading cause of death globally, responsible for nearly 1.5 million deaths in 2023.
- Most people had early-to-mid stage CKD (stages 1β3), which often has no obvious symptoms β meaning millions may not know they're affected.
- Impaired kidney function contributes to more than 11% of all cardiovascular deaths β a critical link for heart health.
- The three biggest risk factors for CKD-related disability were: high blood sugar (fasting plasma glucose), high body weight (BMI), and high blood pressure.
What This Means for Diabetes Patients
If you have diabetes, this study directly concerns you. High blood glucose β the central challenge of diabetes management β ranked as the leading modifiable risk factor for kidney disease burden. Over time, poorly controlled blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, gradually reducing their ability to filter waste.
The good news is that most CKD is caught in its earlier stages, where lifestyle changes and medical treatment can meaningfully slow progression. That makes regular screening β including urine albumin tests and eGFR blood tests β absolutely essential for anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
Consistent glucose monitoring plays a key role in protecting your kidneys. Whether you use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or traditional test strips, staying on top of your levels matters. MDS Diabetes carries a full range of glucose monitoring supplies to help you track your numbers every day β because what you measure, you can manage.
Why Early Detection Changes Everything
The study emphasizes that better screening and awareness programs are urgently needed. Because early-stage CKD rarely causes symptoms, many people don't find out until significant damage has already occurred. Asking your doctor for a kidney function check at your next diabetes appointment could be one of the most important steps you take this year.
Steps You Can Take Today
- Ask your doctor for an annual urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) test and eGFR blood test
- Work to keep your A1C, blood pressure, and weight within your target ranges
- Monitor your blood glucose consistently β daily tracking helps identify patterns before they cause damage
- Discuss kidney-protective medications (like SGLT2 inhibitors) with your care team if appropriate
Bottom Line
Chronic kidney disease has quietly become one of the world's biggest health crises, and diabetes-related high blood sugar is a primary driver. With 788 million people now affected, early detection and consistent glucose management have never been more important. If you have diabetes, protecting your kidneys starts with knowing your numbers β and acting on them.