Chronic Kidney Disease

A long-term condition where the kidneys gradually stop working as well as they should. It's often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.

Chronic conditionKidneysLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

Usually none in the early stages. Later: tiredness, swollen ankles or feet, shortness of breath, feeling sick and passing urine more or less often.

Common Treatments

Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, medicines to protect the kidneys, healthy diet and, in advanced stages, dialysis or a transplant.

Risk Factors

Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, family history, older age, and long-term use of some painkillers.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

The kidneys filter waste and extra water from the blood to make urine. They also help control blood pressure and make hormones that keep bones and blood healthy.

In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidneys are damaged and slowly lose their ability to filter. It's usually found through blood and urine tests, often before any symptoms appear.

CKD can't usually be reversed, but treatment can slow it down a lot. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes, so controlling them protects the kidneys.

Symptoms

Often no early symptoms

Early CKD rarely causes symptoms and is found through routine tests.

Tiredness

Waste builds up and blood counts can drop, causing tiredness and weakness.

Swollen ankles and feet

The kidneys can't remove extra fluid, so it builds up in the legs.

Changes in urine

Passing urine more or less often, foamy urine or blood in the urine.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

Long-term damage to the tiny filters in the kidneys, most often from high blood sugar in diabetes or high pressure in the blood vessels. Other causes include kidney inflammation, inherited conditions such as polycystic kidney disease and repeated kidney infections.

Key Risk Factors

  • Diabetes High blood sugar damages the kidney filters over time.
  • High blood pressure High pressure damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
  • Some medicines Using some painkillers, such as ibuprofen, often and for a long time can harm the kidneys.
  • Family history and age Risk rises with age and if kidney disease runs in the family.

Management & Treatment

01. Control the causes

Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar in the target range is the most important step.

02. Kidney-protecting medicines

Some blood pressure and diabetes medicines also help protect the kidneys.

03. Diet and lifestyle

Less salt, not smoking, staying active and following advice on protein, potassium or fluid if needed.

04. Dialysis or transplant

If the kidneys fail, dialysis or a kidney transplant takes over their work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is CKD found?
With a blood test that measures how well the kidneys filter (eGFR) and a urine test that checks for protein.
Will I need dialysis?
Most people with CKD never need dialysis, especially when it's found early and well controlled.
Which painkillers are safe?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any painkiller, as some can harm the kidneys.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.