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What chronic kidney disease is
✓ Fact-checked against sourced references · Editorial standards
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the gradual, usually permanent loss of kidney function over months or years. The kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from the blood; as they fail, waste builds up and affects the whole body.
Why it happens
- Diabetes — the leading cause in India
- High blood pressure
- Inflammation of the kidney filters
- Recurrent stones or infections
How it is found
Two simple tests tell the story: a blood creatinine test (turned into an eGFR) and a urine protein test. They are worth doing yearly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history.
The key pointCKD is usually silent early on. The earlier it is found, the more it can be slowed — so screening by risk matters more than waiting for symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
Most CKD cannot be reversed, but its progression can often be slowed a great deal with blood-pressure and blood-sugar control, medication and diet.
Is CKD the same as kidney failure?
No. Kidney failure (stage 5) is the late end of CKD, when dialysis or transplant is usually needed.
Sources
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Educational only. This guide is general kidney-care information, not individual medical advice.