What is the biggest cause of kidney disease in the UK?

Diabetes is by far the biggest culprit of kidney disease in the UK, particularly in driving the most severe forms of the condition.

Home / Health / Diabetes Fuels Surge in Kidney Failure: New Drugs Offer Hope to Millions

Diabetes Fuels Surge in Kidney Failure: New Drugs Offer Hope to Millions

Q: How can SGLT2 inhibitor drugs help kidney disease patients?

SGLT2 inhibitor drugs can slow the progression of kidney disease by around 40% and cut the risk of needing dialysis or a transplant by a quarter, offering hope to millions of Britons affected by this silent killer.

Q: How many people in the UK are living with kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease already affects more than 7 million Britons and contributes to 45,000 deaths a year, more than prostate and breast cancer combined.

30 Aug

•

Summary

Chronic kidney disease affects over 7 million Britons, contributing to 45,000 deaths annually
Diabetes is the biggest driver of kidney disease, with 4 million Britons living with the condition
New SGLT2 inhibitor drugs can slow kidney disease progression by 40% and reduce dialysis/transplant need by 25%

Diabetes Fuels Surge in Kidney Failure: New Drugs Offer Hope to Millions

As of August 2025, the UK is facing a looming crisis in its healthcare system due to the rapid rise of chronic kidney disease. Experts warn that this "slow-moving tidal wave" already affects over 7 million Britons and contributes to 45,000 deaths annually - more than prostate and breast cancer combined.

The primary driver of this epidemic is the explosion in diabetes cases, which has doubled in the past 20 years to reach 4 million Britons. Research shows that persistently high blood sugar levels almost inevitably damage the kidneys, with nearly 4 in 10 diabetes patients developing kidney disease and up to a third progressing to the severe form.

However, a new class of drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors is being hailed as a game-changer. These £1-a-day tablets can slow the progression of kidney disease by around 40% and cut the risk of needing dialysis or a transplant by a quarter. Experts believe that if these medications are prescribed early, they could prevent countless new cases of kidney failure.

The NHS has recently announced that millions more patients will soon be able to access these revolutionary treatments directly from their GPs, a move that could be crucial in turning the tide against this silent killer. With the right interventions, the UK may be able to avert the looming crisis in its healthcare system.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.