The silent epidemic: Diabetes and its role in kidney failure in South Africa
Following National Kidney Awareness Week, concerns grow over lifestyle-related illnesses affecting kidney health in South Africa.
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In the wake of National Kidney Awareness Week, fresh concerns have emerged about the impact of lifestyle-related illnesses on kidney health.
According to the South African Renal Registry’s 2022 Annual Report, the number of patients receiving dialysis or transplants rose from 8 866 in 2021 to 9 342 by the end of 2022.
While this increase highlights the escalating need for treatment, access remains deeply unequal.
The registry notes that prevalence in the private sector stands at 771 per million people, compared to just 45 per million in the public sector.
Within state hospitals, access is rationed, with strict eligibility criteria often excluding those with severe comorbidities or substance use issues. For many, survival depends on affording costly private care.
The National Kidney Foundation of South Africa (NKFSA) reports that kidney failure in adults is largely driven by inherited hypertension (60–65%) and type 2 diabetes (20–25%).
Both conditions are preventable and manageable if diagnosed early
Ingrid Singels, Head of the Scientific Division at Pharma Dynamics, stressed that “70–80% of all chronic kidney failure and cardiovascular deaths are potentially preventable.”
She explained that kidney disease often progresses without symptoms: “Many individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes may show no symptoms until kidney damage reaches an advanced stage, making early screening and preventive interventions all the more critical.”
Singels also highlighted the human and economic costs. Data from Discovery Health shows the average age of dialysis patients is 57, while transplant recipients are just 47 – many still in their prime working years.
“Every case of kidney failure prevented represents not only a life saved, but also scarce healthcare resources freed up for other pressing needs,” she said.
Prevention remains key
Experts urge South Africans to monitor blood pressure and glucose levels, maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and undergo screenings.
By controlling hypertension and diabetes, the rising tide of kidney disease can be slowed – protecting lives and reducing strain on an already stretched health system.
IOL Lifestyle