Chronic kidney disease cases driven by rising diabetes rates in new study
A new study reveals that chronic kidney disease cases are driven by rising diabetes rates. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that the proportion of cases caused by diabetes increased from 4.7% to 5.7% between 2013 and 2023.
Intelligence analysis by Llama

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that chronic kidney disease cases are increasingly linked to diabetes. The study highlights the need for early detection and management of both conditions to prevent complications.
Imagine your kidneys are like two superheroes that work together to keep your blood clean and healthy. But if one of them gets hurt, it can make the other one work harder, and eventually, both of them can get damaged. This is what happens in chronic kidney disease, and it's often linked to diabetes. If we can prevent diabetes and manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney function, we can help prevent this damage and keep our kidneys healthy.
Analysis
The Hidden Threat of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a particularly dangerous and hidden threat. The kidneys work continuously to purify the blood, balance minerals, and regulate blood pressure. Their efficiency often means that most people do not realize there is a problem until a significant portion of their function has deteriorated. This makes chronic kidney disease a particularly dangerous and hidden threat.
The disease hits millions of people worldwide, sharply raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and early death. With diabetes on the rise across the globe, scientists warn that it is now changing the landscape of kidney disease.
A Shift in the Proportion of Cases
A team at Boston University recently reviewed national health data spanning from 2013 to 2023. Their detailed study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, revealed that while the overall number of Americans living with chronic kidney disease remained stable at one in seven adults, the proportion of cases caused by diabetes increased markedly.
Ongoing Health Disparities
The study also pointed out ongoing health disparities. Black Americans and people with less education still face much higher rates of kidney disease, showing how deeply social and economic components shape health.
A Troubling Link Between Kidney and Heart Disease
Researchers also pointed out a troubling link between kidney and heart disease. About one in four people with heart disease also live with chronic kidney disease. Doctors currently emphasize that these connected conditions need to be managed together, not as separate issues.
Key points
- Chronic kidney disease cases are driven by rising diabetes rates.
- The proportion of cases caused by diabetes increased from 4.7% to 5.7% between 2013 and 2023.
- Chronic kidney disease is a hidden threat that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and early death.
- Preventing diabetes and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney function are critical to preventing chronic kidney disease and its complications.
If we can prevent diabetes and manage blood sugar, blood pressure, and kidney function, we can help prevent chronic kidney disease and its complications. This requires a multi-faceted approach that includes regular kidney screenings, strict blood sugar control, and managing blood pressure.
If we don't address the growing threat of chronic kidney disease, we can expect to see more people suffering from its complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and early death. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing health disparities that make certain populations more vulnerable to kidney disease.



