Kidney disease is city's fastest-growing chronic condition

Breadcrumb Trail Links

It ranges from mild to severe, with some cases leading to end-stage kidney disease, where your kidneys fail and no longer adequately filter your blood

Published Mar 22, 2026 • 2 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Close up of male arm before blood test. Getty ImagesArticle content

Kidney disease is the city’s fastest-growing chronic condition, according to a recent report from the University of Toronto.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors

Article content

The study commissioned by the Ontario Hospital Association looked at chronic diseases across six regions in the province and kidney disease was deemed to be developing at the quickest rate.

Article content

It found that in Ontario, the top five fastest-growing chronic conditions percentage-wise from 2020 to 2040 are kidney disease and failure, hearing loss, substance use disorders, Crohn’s and colitis, and dementia.

In Toronto, specifically, they are kidney disease and failure, hearing loss, Crohn’s and colitis, cancer and dementia.

But don’t fret. Doctors say that many cases of kidney disease can be prevented.

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, refers to kidney damage or a decreased level of kidney function for at least three months or longer, according to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Your Midday Sun

Thanks for signing up!

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

It can encompass a variety of conditions and disorders that affect the kidneys, with the disease attacking the nephrons — the filtering units of the kidneys — and damaging their ability to eliminate wastes and excess fluids.

The disease ranges from mild to severe, with some cases leading to end-stage kidney disease, where your kidneys fail and no longer adequately filter your blood.

What to look out for?

Kidney disease often starts slowly and develops without symptoms over a number of years, so CKD may not be detected until it has progressed to the point where kidney function is quite low.

Most people don’t progress to end-stage kidney disease, especially if they are diagnosed early and take steps to preserve whatever remaining kidney function they have.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

There are those who are predisposed or susceptible to the disease, with Indigenous people, and people of Asian, South Asian, Pacific Island, African/Caribbean and Hispanic descent all at a higher risk of kidney disease and failure, according the foundation.

Demographic changes through immigration may also be a reason there are more cases in Toronto.

Scientists finally may know why kidney patients die of heart disease

Adding salt to meals can boost kidney disease risk up to 11%

Health Canada approves Ozempic to reduce kidney deterioration in people with diabetes

What doctors recommend

Early detection is key to prevention or management of kidney disease, specifically controlling risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Of course, there’s also getting bloodwork done, as tests show how well (or not) kidneys are filtering blood by measuring serum creatinine levels, a waste product produced by muscle use and the breakdown of protein in food.

A urine test can also detect protein leakage or blood in the urine, which otherwise should be filtered out by healthy kidneys.

People with diabetes, high blood pressure, smokers or individuals with a family history of kidney disease are at increased risk and should get their blood and urine tested every year.

Also, a healthier lifestyle including regular exercise, reducing sodium and limiting processed foods can go a long way in preventing the disease.

—With files from Jane Stevenson

Kidney disease is city’s fastest-growing chronic condition

Tags: