Kidney Disease Topic Guide

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, happens when the kidneys have become damaged or have a problem with their structure that prevents them from filtering blood the way they should. As a result, waste and extra fluid can build up in the body.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that occurs when the kidneys have become damaged over a longer period (for at least 3 months). In most cases, developing CKD is a slow process with very few symptoms at first. Many people with reduced kidney function are not even aware they have CKD. CKD can range from mild to severe and often gets worse over time, though treatment can slow it down. Some people develop kidney (renal) failure, which may require dialysis or kidney transplant to survive.

Having diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a family history of kidney disease can all increase the risk of CKD. It also increases the risk of other health problems like stroke and heart disease. It’s important to get tested for CKD regularly if you're at risk. Healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, not smoking, and taking medications when needed can help treat and prevent CKD.

American Indian/Alaska Native

In 2022, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people were 33% more likely to be diagnosed with end-stage renal disease than the U.S. population overall. In 2022, AI/AN people were 24% more likely to die of kidney disease than the U.S. population overall. In 2022, AI/AN Medicare patients with diabetes were 46% less likely than Medicare patients with diabetes nationwide to receive an annual urinary microalbumin test, which checks for early kidney problems.

For additional data on kidney disease and American Indians/Alaska Natives, please visit our Population Profiles.

Asian American

In 2022, Asian Americans were 33% less likely to die of kidney disease than the U.S. population overall. In 2022, Asian American Medicare patients with diabetes were 12% more likely than Medicare patients with diabetes nationwide to receive an annual urinary microalbumin test, which checks for early kidney problems. From 2017 to 2020, Asian American adults were 10% more likely to have chronic kidney disease than U.S. adults overall.

For additional data on kidney disease and Asian Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.

Black/African American

In 2022, Black/African Americans were 95% more likely to die of kidney disease than the U.S. population overall. In 2022, Black/African American Medicare patients with diabetes were 2% less likely than Medicare patients with diabetes nationwide to receive an annual urinary microalbumin test, which checks for early kidney problems. From 2017 to 2020, Black/African American adults were 47% more likely to have chronic kidney disease than U.S. adults overall.

For additional data on kidney disease and Black/African Americans, please visit our Population Profiles.

Hispanic/Latino

In 2022, Hispanics/Latinos were 10% less likely to die of kidney disease than the U.S. population overall. In 2022, Hispanic/Latino Medicare patients with diabetes were 2% more likely than Medicare patients with diabetes nationwide to receive an annual urinary microalbumin test, which checks for early kidney problems. From 2017 to 2020, Hispanic/Latino adults were 8% more likely to have chronic kidney disease than U.S. adults overall.

For additional data on kidney disease and Hispanics/Latinos, please visit our Population Profiles.

Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander

In 2022, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders (NHPI) were 45% more likely to die of kidney disease than the U.S. population overall.

For additional data on kidney disease and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders, please visit our Population Profiles.