Why more young Indians are getting kidney disease — and what you can do about it

Most of us know that kidneys filter waste from our bodies. But they also play other vital roles — regulating blood pressure, balancing minerals, producing red blood cells, and keeping bones healthy.

Despite this, kidney health often goes unnoticed — especially in young adults, who are now increasingly being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alarmingly, many are only diagnosed when the condition has already progressed.

The shift: Young adults now at greater risk

According to the Indian Chronic Kidney Disease (ICKD) study published in the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, CKD is on the rise among young Indian adults, largely due to preventable lifestyle-related risk factors. Urban living, poor diets, and lack of physical activity are making young people more vulnerable.

Doctors are now seeing patients in their 20s and 30s with signs of advanced kidney damage — including:

• High creatinine levels
• Protein in urine
• Falling glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• Experts believe this early onset may be linked to:
• Maternal malnutrition
• Environmental exposures
• Genetic factors
• Delayed diagnosis due to subtle symptoms

Why CKD often goes undetected

CKD is among the leading causes of death in India, yet most cases are diagnosed late. Early symptoms are subtle and often mistaken for tiredness or stress — unless uncovered through routine screening or tests for other issues.

What’s driving the increase?

1. Lifestyle Risks

Diabetes and high blood pressure, once seen mainly in older adults, are now appearing in the young — both directly impact kidney health.

Unhealthy diets, especially those high in salt, sugar, and processed foods, increase risk.

Lack of awareness means many don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s serious.

2. Other Contributing Factors

• Overuse of painkillers (NSAIDs) and protein supplements can silently damage kidneys.
• Infections, dehydration, and chronic stress are other potential triggers.
• Genetic conditions, like polycystic kidney disease, often go unnoticed without screening.

Gender gap in diagnosis

Interestingly, young Indian males are being diagnosed with CKD more frequently than females. But this doesn't necessarily mean that men are more biologically vulnerable.

The reality is that fewer women are appearing in CKD data — not because they’re healthier, but because they’re often underdiagnosed. Cultural and socioeconomic barriers can prevent many women from accessing timely medical care, especially in rural or low-income communities. This results in missed or delayed diagnoses, meaning women may be suffering in silence, undetected.

Symptoms young people shouldn’t ignore

CKD often progresses silently. Still, there are warning signs:

• Swelling in the feet or face
• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Foamy or dark-coloured urine
• Frequent urination at night
• Loss of appetite or unexplained nausea

These are often dismissed as minor or stress-related — but they could signal kidney damage.

The urgent need for awareness and screening

The ICKD study found that early-stage kidney disease often goes unnoticed in young people. Once damage is done, treatments like dialysis or transplant become necessary — and both are expensive and not easily accessible to all.

Experts recommend:

• More public awareness campaigns
• Routine screenings, especially for high-risk individuals
• Healthier lifestyles — with balanced diets, hydration, regular exercise, and avoiding unnecessary medication

This worrying trend can be reversed. With awareness, early testing, and healthier choices, young Indians can protect their kidneys — and their future.

(Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for any health concerns or conditions.)