At a glance
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes loss of kidney function over time and may lead to kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).
- Costs can be reduced by preventing CKD, preventing CKD from progressing to ESKD, and preventing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions that can lead to CKD.
Kidney disease facts
- More than 1 in 7 US adults may have CKD.
- As many as 9 in 10 don't know they have it.
- Kidney diseases are a leading cause of death in the United States.
- About 360 people begin treatment for kidney failure (dialysis or kidney transplant) every day.
Risk factors
Risk factors for CKD
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Family history of CKD
- Older age
Treating CKD lowers the risk for ESKD.
CKD increases risk for:
- Heart disease and heart failure
- Stroke
- Early death
Medicare costs
In 2019, treatment for Medicare beneficiaries with CKD cost $87.2 billion, and treatment for people with ESKD cost an additional $37.3 billion.
Costs can be reduced by preventing:
- CKD in people at risk.
- CKD progressing to ESKD.
- Other chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which can lead to CKD.
About the CKD Initiative
CDC's CKD Initiative collaborates with other government agencies, universities, and national organizations to:
- Prevent and manage risk factors for CKD.
- Raise awareness of CKD and its complications.
- Promote early diagnosis and management of CKD.
- Improve outcomes for people living with CKD.
The Kidney Disease Surveillance System documents CKD and its risk factors in the United States. The system tracks progress in preventing, detecting, and managing CKD. These efforts align with Healthy People objectives for CKD.