Look! These seven high-risk groups are most likely to be affected by chronic kidney disease!

Among all kinds of diseases, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is like a hidden "health killer" that silently threatens people's kidney health. What is worrying is that some people have become particularly "favored" by chronic kidney disease due to some of their own characteristics. Understanding these seven high-risk groups will help early detection, early intervention, and protect kidney health.

1. Diabetic patients

Diabetes is one of the important factors that cause chronic kidney disease. Long-term high blood sugar levels can damage the kidney's microvascular system, leading to thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and expansion of the mesangial area, gradually affecting the kidney's filtering function. According to statistics, about one-third of diabetic patients will develop chronic kidney disease 10-20 years after the disease. Patients with poor blood sugar control are at a higher risk of kidney damage. For example, some diabetic patients do not strictly follow the doctor's advice to take medication and control their diet, and their blood sugar fluctuates greatly for a long time. The kidneys are more likely to develop lesions under the continuous "erosion" of the high-sugar environment.

2. Hypertension patients

Long-term high blood pressure will put too much pressure on the blood vessels of the kidneys, leading to sclerosis of the renal arterioles, which in turn affects the blood supply and metabolic function of the kidneys. Hypertension is a gradual process that damages the kidneys. In the early stages, it may only manifest as microalbuminuria. If blood pressure is not effectively controlled, kidney damage will gradually worsen and eventually develop into chronic kidney disease. Clinically, many hypertensive patients do not take medication regularly, and their blood pressure fluctuates dramatically, which greatly increases the risk of kidney disease.

3. Obese people

There is a close connection between obesity and chronic kidney disease. Obesity can cause a series of metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, which increase the burden on the kidneys. Excessive fat can also accumulate around the kidneys, compressing the renal blood vessels and affecting renal blood flow. Moreover, obese people often do not exercise enough and have an unhealthy lifestyle, which further increases the risk of kidney damage. Studies have shown that obese people with a body mass index (BMI) of more than 30 are several times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than those with normal weight.

4. Those with a family history of genetic disease

Chronic kidney disease has a certain genetic tendency. Certain hereditary kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease and hereditary nephritis, are inherited in families. If a relative in the family suffers from chronic kidney disease, other family members are more likely to carry the relevant pathogenic genes, and the risk of developing the disease also increases accordingly. Take polycystic kidney disease as an example. This is a common hereditary kidney disease. Patients will have multiple cysts in their kidneys. As they age, the cysts gradually increase in size and destroy the structure and function of the kidneys. If there are such patients in the family, relatives should undergo regular kidney examinations.

5. Long-term use of nephrotoxic drugs

Some drugs have potential nephrotoxicity, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics, and anti-tumor drugs. Long-term or irrational use of these drugs will directly damage kidney cells and cause renal impairment. For example, some people take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time due to joint pain, without paying attention to the adverse reactions of the drugs. As a result, the kidneys suffer tubular interstitial damage under the long-term effect of the drugs, causing chronic kidney disease. During the medication process, be sure to follow the doctor's advice and avoid drug abuse.

6. Elderly people

As we age, the structure and function of the kidneys gradually decline. The blood flow to the kidneys decreases, the glomerular filtration rate decreases, and the kidneys' ability to metabolize drugs and toxins also weakens. The elderly often have multiple chronic diseases and need to take multiple medications, which further increases the burden on the kidneys. Therefore, the risk of chronic kidney disease in the elderly is significantly higher than that of young people. Regular physical examinations are particularly important for the elderly to detect kidney problems early.

7. People with recurrent urinary tract infections

If urinary tract infection is not treated promptly and thoroughly, bacteria and other pathogens may retrogradely invade the kidneys and cause diseases such as pyelonephritis. Repeated kidney infections can damage kidney tissue, lead to kidney fibrosis, and gradually develop into chronic kidney disease. For example, women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections due to their physiological characteristics. If they do not pay attention to personal hygiene and frequently hold their urine, urinary tract infections will recur repeatedly, and kidney health will be seriously threatened.

These seven high-risk groups must be vigilant, pay attention to their kidney health, regularly conduct urine routine, kidney function and other related examinations, develop a healthy lifestyle, actively control underlying diseases, and minimize the risk of chronic kidney disease. Once kidney problems are found, they should seek medical attention in time and receive standardized treatment.