Renal (kidney) disease impacts the ability of the kidneys to clear waste and excess fluid from the body.1
Kidney disease in women can include acute kidney injury (AKI), in which there is a sudden, temporary, and sometimes fatal loss of kidney function. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive form of the disease that causes reduced kidney function over a period of time. CKD can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), in which there is total and permanent kidney failure.2 Kidney disease is closely linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes and is considered to be a major global public-health concern.3
It is challenging to assess the true impact of kidney disease on the global population, but studies have indicated that the disease tends to impact women more than men.4
- CKD affects 10–16% of the adult population worldwide.5
- Occurrence of kidney failure is increasing in women who are 50 years and older.
- About 40% of women with diabetes will develop CKD, which increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other complications of diabetes.