Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming more common worldwide, and the UAE is
no exception. With rising rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart
disease, many people in Abu Dhabi are at higher risk of silent kidney damage without
even knowing it.
This blog explains chronic kidney disease in simple language, with a focus on people
living in the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi. You’ll learn what CKD is, early symptoms,
stages, causes, treatment options, and when to see a kidney specialist (nephrologist) at
Reem Hospital.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means your kidneys are damaged and cannot filter
waste and extra fluid from your blood as well as they should. This damage happens
slowly over months to years, often without obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Healthy kidneys help:
- Remove toxins and excess water in the form of urine
- Control blood pressure
- Keep your bones strong
- Maintain healthy levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium
- Support red blood cell production
When chronic kidney disease progresses, these functions are affected, and if not
managed properly, CKD can lead to kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), requiring
dialysis or kidney transplant.
Why Is Chronic Kidney Disease Common in the UAE?
In the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, several health conditions increase the risk of CKD,
including:
- Type 2 diabetes (very common in the region)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- High cholesterol and cardiovascular disease
- Smoking and sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of kidney disease
Many people also take painkillers (NSAIDs) frequently, use herbal products without
medical supervision, or are exposed to dehydration due to hot weather, all of which can
stress the kidneys over time.
Because these risk factors are widespread, early screening for kidney function is
extremely important in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
Early Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
One of the biggest challenges with chronic kidney disease is that it can be silent in early
stages. Many people feel completely normal until significant damage has already
occurred.
Common early or subtle symptoms may include:
- Feeling more tired or weak than usual
- Mild swelling in ankles, feet, or around the eyes
- Changes in urination (foamy urine, getting up at night to urinate, or passing less urine)
- Loss of appetite or nausea
- Dry, itchy skin
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog.”
These symptoms are not specific to CKD, which is why lab tests are essential. A simple
blood and urine test can detect chronic kidney disease long before symptoms become
obvious.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD is usually divided into five stages, based mainly on a blood test called eGFR
(estimated glomerular filtration rate), which measures how well your kidneys filter waste.
Stage 1 – Kidney damage with normal or high eGFR (≥ 90)
- Kidney damage is present (e.g., protein in urine), but overall filtration is still normal.
- Often no symptoms.
- Focus is on controlling risk factors like diabetes, blood pressure, and weight.
Stage 2 – Mild CKD (eGFR 60–89)
- Mild loss of kidney function.
- Still usually no symptoms.
- Important to follow up regularly, especially if you have diabetes or hypertension.
Stage 3 – Moderate CKD (eGFR 30–59)
- Waste products start to build up in the blood.
- Symptoms may include fatigue, swelling, and high blood pressure.
- Diet changes, medications, and strict control of risk factors are crucial at this stage.
Stage 4 – Severe CKD (eGFR 15–29)
- Kidney function is significantly reduced.
- Higher risk of complications like anemia, bone disease, and electrolyte imbalance.
- Patients should be closely monitored by a nephrologist and prepared for possible dialysis or transplant in the future.
Stage 5 – End-Stage Kidney Disease (eGFR < 15)
- Kidneys can no longer support the body’s needs.
- Dialysis or kidney transplant is usually required to sustain life.
At Reem Hospital in Abu Dhabi, nephrologists use eGFR, urine protein tests,
ultrasound, and other investigations to stage chronic kidney disease and plan a
personalised treatment pathway.
Main Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
In the UAE and worldwide, the most common causes of chronic kidney disease include:
- Diabetic kidney disease
- Long-term high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
- This is the leading cause of CKD globally.
- Hypertensive kidney disease
- Uncontrolled blood pressure puts constant pressure on kidney blood vessels.
- Glomerulonephritis
- Inflammation of the filters in the kidney (glomeruli), sometimes related to
autoimmune disease or infections.
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
- A genetic condition where fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys, gradually
affecting function.
- Recurrent kidney infections or urinary tract obstruction
- Long-standing obstruction from kidney stones, prostate enlargement, or other structural issues can damage kidneys.
- Medications and toxins
- Long-term use of certain painkillers, some antibiotics, contrast dyes, and
unregulated herbal or bodybuilding products can harm the kidneys.
If you have any of these risk factors and live in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE,
regular kidney screening can help detect problems early, before chronic kidney
disease progresses.
How Is Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing CKD involves a combination of:
- Blood tests
- Creatinine and eGFR to assess kidney function
- Electrolytes (potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus)
- Hemoglobin (to check for anemia)
- Urine tests
- Check for protein (albuminuria), blood, or other abnormalities
- Albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) helps detect early kidney damage
- Imaging
- Ultrasound of the kidneys to look at size, structure, cysts, stones, or obstruction
- Sometimes, a kidney biopsy
- A small sample of kidney tissue is taken to understand the exact cause of
damage in selected patients.
At Reem Hospital, these tests are performed using advanced diagnostic equipment,
and results are interpreted by experienced nephrologists and internal medicine
specialists.
Complications of Chronic Kidney Disease
Untreated or poorly controlled CKD can lead to multiple complications, including:
- High blood pressure (and difficult-to-control hypertension)
- Fluid retention – swelling in legs, lungs (shortness of breath)
- Anemia – low red blood cell count, causing fatigue and shortness of breath
- Bone disease – due to calcium and vitamin D imbalance
- Electrolyte problems – especially high potassium, which can affect heart rhythm
- Heart disease and stroke – CKD increases cardiovascular risk significantly
- End-stage kidney disease – requiring dialysis or kidney transplant
This is why early diagnosis and regular follow-up at a kidney clinic in Abu Dhabi are
essential to slow progression and protect your overall health.
Can Chronic Kidney Disease Be Cured?
In most cases, chronic kidney disease cannot be fully reversed, especially in later
stages. However, progression can often be slowed or stabilised, particularly if detected
early.
The goals of CKD treatment are to:
- Control the underlying cause (diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, etc.)
- Protect remaining kidney function
- Manage symptoms and complications
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Plan for dialysis or transplant in advanced cases
Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment Options in Abu Dhabi
Treatment is personalized depending on the stage of CKD, your age, other medical
conditions, and lifestyle.
- Lifestyle Modifications
These are important at every stage:
- Healthy diet
- Reduced salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and swelling
- Moderate protein intake (as advised by your nephrologist/dietitian)
- Avoid highly processed foods and sugary drinks
- Manage weight with balanced nutrition
- Blood sugar control if you have diabetes
- Regular physical activity appropriate for your health status
- Quit smoking – smoking accelerates kidney and heart damage
- Stay hydrated sensibly – your nephrologist will guide how much fluid you
should drink, depending on your stage of CKD
- Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to:
- Control blood pressure (often ACE inhibitors or ARBs, which also protect
kidneys)
- Manage blood sugar in diabetic patients
- Treat high cholesterol
- Correct anemia, using iron supplements or injections if needed
- Manage bone and mineral disorders, including vitamin D and phosphate binders
- Control swelling with diuretics (water tablets)
Never start or stop any medication, including over-the-counter painkillers or herbal supplements, without discussing with your doctor – especially if you have chronic kidney disease.
- Dialysis
In end-stage kidney disease, when eGFR falls very low and symptoms are severe,
dialysis may be necessary. Dialysis is a way of artificially cleaning the blood when the
kidneys can no longer do so.
There are two main types:
- Hemodialysis – blood is filtered through a machine
- Peritoneal dialysis – uses the lining of your abdomen as a natural filter
Your nephrologist will explain which type is suitable based on your condition, lifestyle,
and medical history.
- Kidney Transplant
For eligible patients, kidney transplantation is considered the best long-term treatment
for end-stage kidney disease, offering better quality of life and survival compared to
long-term dialysis.
Specialised centers in the UAE work with transplant teams to evaluate and prepare
patients for transplant, including donor matching and post-transplant care.
Living With Chronic Kidney Disease
A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can feel overwhelming, but with the right medical
team and lifestyle support, many people live active, fulfilling lives for many years.
Key tips for living well with CKD:
- Keep all your appointments with your nephrologist and care team
- Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar at home (if advised)
- Follow your kidney-friendly diet plan
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Inform every doctor you see that you have CKD, so they avoid harmful drugs
- Ask questions and understand your lab reports – being informed helps you stay in control
At Reem Hospital, our multidisciplinary team includes nephrologists, internal medicine
specialists, dietitians, cardiologists, and diabetes educators to support you at every
stage of chronic kidney disease.
When Should You See a Kidney Specialist in Abu Dhabi?
You should consider seeing a nephrologist at Reem Hospital if:
- You have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Your blood tests show elevated creatinine or reduced eGFR
- Your urine test shows protein, blood, or persistent abnormalities
- You notice swelling of legs, face, or around eyes
- You feel constantly tired, breathless, or have poor appetite
- You have a family history of kidney failure or polycystic kidney disease
- You are already diagnosed with CKD and need a second opinion or advanced care
Early referral to a nephrologist in Abu Dhabi can significantly improve long-term
outcomes and may delay or prevent the need for dialysis.
Chronic Kidney Disease in the UAE: Why Early Screening Matters
In a country like the UAE, where diabetes and hypertension are highly prevalent,
chronic kidney disease is a major public health concern. Many residents – Emirati and
expatriate – may have early kidney damage without knowing.
Routine screening is especially important if you:
- Are over 40
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Are overweight or obese
- Have high cholesterol
- Have a family history of kidney disease
Simple tests at Reem Hospital can detect CKD early, allowing timely treatment and
lifestyle changes that protect kidney function.
Take control of your kidney health today.
Schedule your chronic kidney disease assessment at Reem Hospital and get a clear,
personalized plan to protect your kidneys for the long term.
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