Kidney damage can occur for a number of reasons. Diabetes followed by hypertension (high blood pressure) are the two primary causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), apart from infections and a group of diseases that affect the glomerulus (see role of kidney). The kidneys need adequate supply of blood, so if there is something wrong with the blood vessels to the kidney, such as a narrowing, this will prevent the kidneys from working efficiently.
Old age, erratic lifestyle, heavy alcohol drinking and smoking, family medical history of kidney failure, kidney injury, excessive use of illegal and over the counter medicines, may also lead to chronic kidney disease.
- Diabetes is a medical condition in which blood sugar is too high. Blood sugar is regulated by hormone insulin secreted by pancreas. When sufficient insulin is not released, blood sugar rises (hyperglycemia). If untreated, it may cause damage to kidneys, heart, blood vessels, nerves and eyes.
- High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the pressure of blood against the walls of blood vessels increases. If uncontrolled, or poorly controlled, high blood pressure can be a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and chronic kidney disease. Also, chronic kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.
- Glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation and damage to the kidney’s filtering units. These disorders are the third most common type of kidney disease.
- Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, which causes large cysts to form in the kidneys and damage the surrounding tissue.
- Malformations that occur as a baby develops in its mother’s womb. For example, a narrowing may occur that prevents normal outflow of urine and causes urine to flow back up to the kidney. This causes infections and may damage the kidneys.
- Lupus and other diseases that affect the body’s immune system.
- Obstructions caused by problems like kidney stones, tumors or an enlarged prostate gland in men.
- Repeated urinary infections.