12 Nov 2025 • The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has surged, more than doubling since 1990, according to the Global Burden of Disease 2023 data.

India now ranks second worldwide, with an estimated 138 million adults affected—trailing only China’s 152 million among the 788 million global cases. CKD is now the ninth leading cause of death, linked to 1.5 million deaths annually and accounting for 11.5% of cardiovascular deaths.

Most cases remain in early stages (1–3), signaling widespread underdiagnosis. Major contributors include hyperglycemia, hypertension, and obesity. Experts call for population-wide screening and tighter metabolic control to address India’s escalating CKD crisis.

Source: The Lancet | Read Full Story