Chronic kidney disease (CKD) — a progressive condition in which the kidneys become permanently damaged and lose their ability to filter blood effectively — affects an estimated 788 million to 844 million adults worldwide, according to new research published by The Lancet journal today.The three-part research series, led by global teams from India, the UK, China, Austria, and other countries, projects CKD to become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040.Experts identified limited access to testing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the absence of symptoms in the early stages of the disease, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases as key factors driving the rise in CKD cases worldwide. They also called for sustained investment in diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare infrastructure to address the growing challenge.CKD: Underdiagnosis and Lack of SymptomsThe researchers stressed that significant underdiagnosis of chronic kidney disease is a key factor endangering millions of patients worldwide.Early diagnosis of CKD is critical for treatment success, and the condition can be detected using a simple and affordable urine test. However, the test is not routinely used across all healthcare settings and is often performed only after kidney disease has already progressed.Another concern is that mild and moderate stages of the disease often go undetected. Symptoms may develop only in the most severe stages, close to the time when dialysis or a kidney transplant may be required. Without successful treatment, the condition can be fatal.The lack of symptoms likely contributes to low rates of diagnosis and awareness, said the experts in the research."Chronic kidney disease remains one of the most concerning conditions currently impacting global health. The overriding message from our series of research papers is that there remains a pressing need for attention and resources to be focused on this condition," said lead author Dr. Jennifer Lees, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow, UK.Also read:16 Million Indians Die Due To Hypertension Every Year: AIIMS Doc"There is huge potential to improve early diagnosis, treatment, and healthy lifespan by testing urine for protein routinely across a range of healthcare settings. This may be particularly important in those most at risk of underdiagnosis, including non-white populations and women," she added. CKD And NCD BurdenThe three research papers, presented at the ongoing European Renal Association Congress in Glasgow, Scotland, highlight that diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are among the major drivers of CKD, with the risk of developing the disease increasing with age.While CKD can affect anyone, it is more common in people who are Black or of South Asian origin. Compared with those without the condition, people with chronic kidney disease are more likely to be hospitalized, develop complications while in hospital, and be readmitted.The studies also highlighted differences in diagnosis and treatment between men and women, alongside the need for integrated approaches to CKD prevention and treatment across a range of healthcare settings.Read More: Emma Barnett: It Took 21 Years To Diagnose My EndometriosisCall For Greater Investment In Kidney CareThe experts called for a renewed focus on CKD diagnosis and treatment."Chronic kidney disease affects 844 million people worldwide, yet access to even basic kidney testing remains deeply uneven," said Professor Luxia Zhang from Peking University, China."Advances in biomarkers, biopsy, and genetic testing now allow us to understand why an individual has kidney disease, not just that they have it. Realizing this benefit for patients everywhere will require sustained investment in diagnostics, laboratory capacity, and workforce," Zhang added.