Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is far more common than most people realise—and often goes unnoticed until it’s advanced. As a GP, I regularly see patients who are surprised to learn they have early kidney disease, simply because they felt completely well.
Let’s break it down in a clear, practical way 
🧠 Did You Know?
- CKD is more common than diabetes in Australia
- Heart disease, not kidney failure, is the leading cause of death in people with CKD
- Around 1 in 2 Australians has at least one risk factor for developing CKD
- Only about 1 in 10 people with CKD are aware they have it
That’s why awareness and early testing matter so much.
🩺 What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD is diagnosed when:
- Kidney function (GFR) is less than 60 mL/min/1.73m² for 3 months or more,
OR - There is evidence of kidney damage for 3 months or longer, even if GFR is normal.
Signs of kidney damage can include:
- Protein (albumin) in the urine
- Blood in the urine (after excluding urological causes)
- Abnormal kidney imaging
- Abnormal kidney biopsy results
😶 Why CKD Is Often Missed
CKD is usually silent.
Up to 90% of kidney function can be lost before symptoms appear. That’s why regular checks are essential for people at higher risk.
When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- High blood pressure
- Tiredness or low energy
- Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
- Itching
- Nausea or poor appetite
- Swelling or shortness of breath
- Blood in the urine
These symptoms are often vague—which makes blood and urine tests crucial.
👥 Who Is at Higher Risk?
You may be at increased risk of CKD if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A family history of kidney disease
- Are over 60 years old
- Smoke
- Are overweight or obese
For people in these groups, 1–2 yearly kidney checks are strongly recommended.
🧪 The Kidney Health Check
A simple Kidney Health Check includes:
- Blood test (creatinine and estimated GFR)
- Urine test (albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
- Blood pressure measurement
These tests help detect kidney disease early—when we can do the most to slow or prevent progression.
💊 Managing CKD: What Makes a Difference
While CKD is often not reversible, its progression can be slowed significantly.
Key strategies include:
- Blood pressure control (target <130/80 mmHg)
- Kidney-protective medications such as:
-
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs
- SGLT2 inhibitors
- Statins where indicated
- Careful medication review (avoiding kidney-harming drugs like NSAIDs when possible — often remembered using the SADMANS rule)
🥗 Lifestyle Still Matters
Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact:
- Healthy, balanced diet
- Regular physical activity
- Weight management
- Smoking cessation
Education and regular monitoring empower patients to take control of their kidney health.
🧑⚕️ When to See a Kidney Specialist
Early referral to a nephrologist is important if there is:
- Rapid decline in kidney function
- Significant protein in the urine
- Difficulty controlling blood pressure
- Advanced CKD
Early specialist input improves long-term outcomes.
✅ Take-Home Message
CKD is common, silent, and serious—but early detection saves kidneys and lives.
If you have risk factors or haven’t had a kidney check recently, speak to your GP. A simple test could make all the difference.
If you’re concerned about your kidney health or would like a Kidney Health Check, book an appointment with your GP to discuss personalised screening and prevention.