What are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often primarily caused by underlying systemic conditions that lead to gradual impairment of kidney function over time. Diabetes Mellitus and hypertension are significant contributors to CKD.

Diabetes Mellitus causes damage to the kidneys through prolonged high blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a specific type of kidney disease caused by the effects of diabetes. Poorly controlled blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste products from the blood effectively.

Hypertension is another leading factor that affects kidney health. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their function. Over time, the stress on these vessels can lead to worse kidney function and eventually CKD.

The combination of these two conditions is prevalent in the population and represents the most common causes of chronic kidney disease, surpassing other potential causes like infections, dehydration, or acute glomerulonephritis, which may be more situational or acute rather than chronic.