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OUR CAMPAIGN
Chronic Kidney Disease Affects 1 in 10 People
Did you know that 1 in 10 people in Ireland and 1 in 7 over the age of 50 are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – and 98% of them have no idea?
CKD is now on course to become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040.
Our national ‘1 in 10 People’ campaign highlights the often-silent threat of kidney disease and the need to take action now to reduce the risk of kidney failure and its serious consequences.
The presence of CKD can be found through two simple tests blood and urine test can reveal the presence of CKD.
A blood test
A urine test
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease: Causes, Risks and Early Signs
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What Are The Causes Of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Heart Disease
Interstitial nephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys’ tubules and surrounding structures
Glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidneys’ filtering units
Polycystic kidney disease
Vesicoureteral reflux, a condition that causes urine to back up into your kidneys
Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract
Pyelonephritis (a recurring kidney infection)
Who is at risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease?
Have diabetes
Have a family history of kidney disease
Are obese
Long-term use of over-the-counter medication
Have high blood pressure
Are over 50 years old
Have had acute kidney injury
What are the signs of Chronic Kidney Disease?
Nausea and/ or Vomiting
Tiredness and weakness
Muscle cramps
Difficulty sleeping at night
Urinating more or less
Swelling of feet or ankles
Itchy, dry skin
Feeling cold
Lack of concentration
Headaches (due to high blood pressure)
Weight loss or weight gain and appetite loss
Shortness of breath (due to a build-up of fluid in the lungs)
Chest pain or irregular heart rhythm (due to a build-up of fluid around the lining of the heart)
Why Do We Count On Our Kidneys?
Our kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist, located on either side near the middle of your back, that filter and remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Your kidneys do many other important jobs too, such as help control your blood pressure, keep your bones and heart healthy and help in the production of red blood cells, which are used to carry oxygen around the body.
Your kidneys do many other important jobs too, such as help control your blood pressure, keep your bones and heart healthy and help in the production of red blood cells, which are used to carry oxygen around the body.
We all have kidney numbers.
Your kidney numbers show how well your kidneys are working and whether you need treatment.
Your numbers are determined through two simple tests: A urine test known as ACR (Albumin to Creatinine Ratio) and a blood test known as GFR (glomerular filtration rate).
Do you know yours?
ACR tests how much albumin (a type of protein) is in your urine. Too much albumin in your urine is an early sign of kidney damage.
GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys work, and shows if you have CKD.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively. It is often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure and tends to progress over time.
The stages of Chronic Kidney Disease can be thought of in terms ranging from 1 to 5. Most patients who are diagnosed as having Stage 1, 2, or 3 have only mild kidney disease and do not progress to End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD).
Early detection and treatment matter – no two patients are the same and progression is not predictable, but for example, if your kidney numbers dropped by 1% each year, it would take 80 years to progress from Stage 1 (90%+) to ESKD (<15%).
Once Stage 4 is reached, damage is more severe and usually not reversible, and Stage 5 is where options such as dialysis or a kidney transplant will be explored.
Chronic Kidney Disease is divided into five stages based on kidney function (GFR levels). Stage 1–3 indicate mild to moderate disease, while Stages 4 – 5 involve more significant loss of kidney function.
Kidneys perform vital functions such as filtering waste, balancing fluids, and maintaining blood pressure. When kidneys fail, toxins build up, leading to serious health complications.
The heart and kidneys are closely connected. Poor kidney function can strain the heart, while heart disease can reduce kidney blood flow – maintaining both organs’ health is essential.
If you have chronic kidney disease or heart disease, monitoring your weight can help identify fluid retention. A sudden increase in weight may be a sign that your body is holding onto excess fluid and should be discussed with your healthcare team.
Your blood pressure target is usually less than 140/90 mmHg. For some people, particularly those at higher risk of kidney damage, the target may be less than 130/80 mmHg. Ask your doctor what target is right for you.
If you have diabetes, you should know your target blood sugar range and your HbA1c result. HbA1c is a blood test that shows your average blood sugar level over the previous 2 to 3 months.
GFR (glomerular filtration rate) measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. It is an important indicator of kidney function and is used to monitor kidney health over time.
You should know:
Keeping track of these numbers can help you and your healthcare team manage your health more effectively.
How Can I Support?
Download Campaign Resources
Find posters, social media images and more to help raise awareness in your community.
Information for Healthcare Professionals
Access support materials designed for those caring for kidney patients.
World Kidney Day Fundraising
Join our national fundraising efforts to suppoort kidney patients across Ireland.
Past Campaigns
Kidney Health And Heart Health Go Hand In Hand
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA), in partnership with the National Renal Office (NRO), the Irish Heart Foundation, and Croí Heart and Stroke Charity, came together for a special campaign to shine a light on the vital link between heart disease and chronic kidney disease to mark World Kidney Day on Thursday, 9th March 2023.