Silent Damage: Why Early Diagnosis Matters in Chronic Kidney Disease
The kidneys work quietly every day, filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluids and minerals, and helping control blood pressure. But when kidney function begins to decline, there may be few warning signs.
This is what makes chronic kidney disease (CKD) particularly dangerous. It can develop gradually, with many people unaware that their kidneys are being damaged until the disease becomes advanced.
In Ghana, CKD is an increasing health concern. PATH Ghana has reported an estimated CKD prevalence of 13.3 per cent, although recent research indicates that prevalence estimates vary depending on the population studied and the diagnostic criteria used.
High blood pressure and diabetes are two major risk factors for CKD. Persistent hypertension can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, while diabetes can harm the structures responsible for filtering blood.
A multicentre study in Ghana found CKD in 26.3 per cent of people with hypertension alone, 16.1 per cent of those with diabetes alone, and 28.5 per cent of those with both conditions. These findings highlight why people living with hypertension or diabetes should have their kidney health checked regularly rather than waiting for symptoms.
Because early CKD may cause no obvious symptoms, laboratory testing is important. A blood test for creatinine can help estimate how well the kidneys filter blood, known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A urine test for albumin or protein can also reveal signs of kidney damage.
However, one abnormal test does not automatically confirm CKD. The abnormality generally needs to persist over time, and healthcare professionals may recommend repeat testing and further assessment.
Early detection provides an opportunity to control the factors causing kidney damage and slow disease progression. This may include managing blood pressure and blood glucose, reviewing medications, and addressing other risk factors.
Ghana has also increased efforts to identify CKD earlier. PATH Ghana reported that more than 28,000 people with hypertension and Type 2 diabetes were screened for CKD in the Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions in 2025 through the Healthy Heart Africa programme.
The greatest challenge remains the silent nature of the disease. A person may feel healthy while kidney damage is already developing. For people at higher risk, particularly those with hypertension or diabetes, routine kidney checks can provide an important early warning.
The kidneys may work silently, but their health should not be overlooked. A simple blood or urine test could be the first step toward detecting kidney disease early and protecting kidney function.
REFERENCES
Tannor, E. K., Sarfo, F. S., Mobula, L. M., Sarfo-Kantanka, O., Adu-Gyamfi, R., & Plange-Rhule, J. (2019). Prevalence and predictors of chronic kidney disease among Ghanaian patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus: A multicenter cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 21, 1542–1550. https://doi.org/10.1111/jch.13672
Ofori, E., Gyan, K. F., Gyabaah, S., Nguah, S. B., & Sarfo, F. S. (2022). Predictors of rapid progression of estimated glomerular filtration rate among persons living with diabetes and/or hypertension in Ghana: Findings from a multicentre study. Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 24, 1358–1369. https://doi.org/10.1111/jch.14568
Afrifa, J., Asum, K., Fosu, S. A. B., et al. (2026). Prevalence and Causes of Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease in Ghana: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, 16, 31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44197-026-00531-0