Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 850 million people worldwide which is more than ten percent of the population. The condition is caused by progressive damage to the kidneys, that prevents them from working as well as they should. With it mostly being asymptomatic (no symptoms) until later stages of the condition, most people go undiagnosed and every year millions die prematurely from CKD and related complications. The kidneys, the heart and the metabolic system have an important connection as they have the potential to both positively and negatively impact each other. They are linked to one another through blood flow, hormones and the central nervous system.

A pair of kidneys inside an open hand
Chronic Kidney Disease

About Chronic Kidney Disease

The kidneys are one of the hardest-working organs in the body, where a million tiny filters called nephrons work together to filter the blood to convert waste products and excess fluid into urine. The progressive loss of kidney function over a period is called chronic kidney disease (CKD).

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Essential kidney information

Learn more about conditions of the kidneys and how they impact other organ systems

Patient Stories

CkD

Living with Chronic Kidney Disease: Sarah’s Story

Listen as Sarah shares her journey from diagnosis to adapting to life with kidney disease and her positive outlook for the future

Interconnectivity

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Harold Heart and Friends
Harold Heart & Friends

Animation

This series of short animations featuring Harold Heart, Dorothy Diabetes, Karl and Klara Kidney and Bernard Brain, aim to raise awareness of the symptoms of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic conditions in type 2 diabetes, and the increased risk for complication in case of viral infection for people living with them
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Patient Documentary
Video

It’s your heart. Protect It. Patient documentary – (Dan)

Hear Dan’s personal experience of living with diabetes, and what motivates him to protect what matters.
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dr_hull
Video

Dr Stephen Hull: Practical Advice for People with T2D and Heart Disease

Dr Stephen Hull explains the link between type 2 diabetes and heart disease and provides practical advice for people living with these conditions.

Media Materials

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EMPA-KIDNEY
Press release
   
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EMPA-KIDNEY
Infographic

Infographic showing EMPA-KIDNEY trial key information, including study design and endpoints

Social Materials

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Chronic kidney disease and interconnectivity
Video

Dr. Susanne Nicholas discusses CKD interconnectivity with other systems

Dr. Susanne Nicholas explains interconnected conditions associated with chronic kidney disease.