What are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease?
The two most common causes of CKD in the United States are diabetes and hypertension. Together, these account for approximately 70% of patients who are on dialysis in the US. Many dialysis patients have both conditions, especially if blood sugar is not well-controlled. Listed below are brief descriptions of some of the most common causes of CKD: Diabetes: Ether type I (juvenile-onset) or type II (adult-onset) diabetes may result in kidney damage after a number of years, especially if blood sugar is not well-controlled. Usually by the time a person develops diabetic kidney disease, they have had diabetes for at least 10 years, and the diabetes has often affected their eyes, blood vessels, and nerves (especially of the feet). Hypertension (high blood pressure): This is a common disorder and one to which African Americans are especially prone. It may be a symptom of another type of kidney disease, or it may occur on its own, especially if high blood pressure tends to run in a family. In e
