A new report highlights the link between excessive sugar intake, lifestyle factors, and the increasing prevalence of kidney disease among young adults in Indonesia, prompting calls for early detection and comprehensive care.
Excess sugar does not directly trigger kidney failure, but persistent overconsumption can set off a chain of health problems that damages the organs over time, according to a report carried by Antara and republished by Media Indonesia. Mutalib Abdullah, a kidney and hypertension specialist at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, said the main concern is that too much sugar raises the risk of obesity and diabetes, both of which are closely linked to chronic kidney disease. The National Kidney Foundation has also warned that high blood sugar can injure the kidney’s filtering system, increasing the chance of lasting damage.
The warning comes as Indonesian health data suggest kidney disease is reaching younger adults. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey found chronic kidney disease in 0.02% of people aged 15 to 24, 0.07% of those aged 25 to 34 and 0.11% among people aged 35 to 44. Separate BPJS Kesehatan data cited in the report showed 134,057 chronic kidney failure patients underwent haemodialysis in 2024, underlining the scale of treatment needs.
Abdullah said diabetes and hypertension remain the two leading drivers of kidney disease. Sustained high blood sugar can gradually damage the kidney’s filtering units, while high blood pressure harms the organ’s blood vessels. The process is often silent in its early stages, which means many patients do not notice a problem until the disease is advanced. Research published in Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives and another analysis using the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey both identified hypertension and diabetes as major risk factors for chronic kidney disease in Indonesia.
The report also pointed to wider lifestyle risks, including salty diets, inactivity, smoking and the unsupervised use of painkillers or supplements. Symptoms that should prompt medical attention include changes in urine frequency, frothy urine, swollen legs, nausea and hard-to-control blood pressure. Doctors recommend blood tests for creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, together with urine checks, especially for people with a family history of hypertension, diabetes or kidney stones. Margareth Aryani Santoso, Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong’s director, said kidney care requires a comprehensive approach, from early detection to minimally invasive procedures and haemodialysis where needed.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
