40% of patients with type 2 diabetes could develop chronic kidney disease

Up to 40% of people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes will develop chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition that is often identified only when there is already significant kidney damage. The relationship between these two diseases poses a public health challenge, especially in a context where early detection remains limited.

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In Colombia, more than one million people live with chronic kidney disease, according to figures available through 2023. CKD occurs when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to filter toxins and regulate water and electrolyte balance.

In advanced stages, this condition may require replacement therapies such as dialysis or kidney transplant. In fact, the prevalence of this disease has been increasing, with CKD cases increasing by 25% in the country between 2022 and 2023.

This increase represents a higher cost for the healthcare system and a decrease in patients' quality of life. Given this situation, specialists emphasize the importance of addressing associated risk factors, including type 2 diabetes.

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“ Diabetic patients should be aware of their elevated risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Symptoms cannot be normalized or warning signs minimized. Any change in symptoms is essential to see a doctor ,” said Jorge García, director of the Retorno Vital Foundation.

He said that early detection and control of kidney damage can reduce the risk of progression to more advanced stages that may require treatments such as dialysis.

A study conducted by Ipsos, Bayer, and the Latin American Society of Nephrology and Hypertension (SLANH) in several countries in the region, including Colombia, showed that between 30% and 50% of patients with type 2 diabetes already have some level of kidney impairment.

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CKD often progresses silently. In its early stages, it may not present obvious symptoms. As it progresses, signs such as constant fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, cramps, ankle swelling, or changes in urinary frequency may appear. The lack of early symptoms contributes to the fact that most patients do not receive a timely diagnosis.

“ Eighty percent of patients with chronic kidney disease are not diagnosed in their early stages, limiting their access to timely treatment. Furthermore, it is estimated that only 10% of people with kidney problems receive treatment ,” said Silvia Rey, senior medical advisor at Bayer. She added that this situation is related to low awareness of self-care, a lack of comprehensive care, and poor coordination between medical specialties.

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Experts insist that detecting CKD in its early stages can reduce the risk of the disease progressing to critical stages by up to 50% . In this context, the call for prevention takes on special importance, especially on dates like National Organ and Tissue Donor Day.

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Beyond the act of solidarity represented by donation, the event becomes an opportunity to promote individual self-care. For patients with type 2 diabetes, this involves maintaining strict control of blood glucose levels, attending regular medical checkups, adopting a balanced diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and engaging in supervised physical activity.

Early detection, access to appropriate treatment, and a continuous prevention strategy are essential elements for containing the progression of chronic kidney disease in people with diabetes. In a resource-limited healthcare system, reducing the burden of this disease also represents an opportunity to improve the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare .

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