Drastic Increase, About 500 Thousand Singaporeans Have Kidney Diseases

Illustration of a woman holding back pain (Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio)

JAKARTA - Singapore is facing a drastic increase in residents affected by kidney disease. Currently, there are around 500 thousand Singaporeans suffering from kidney disease, which has the potential for kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease.

According to a Singapore National Kidney Foundation (NFK) report, about six new patients are diagnosed every day for kidney disease. Currently, there are also more than 9 thousand patients who have to undergo dialysis or dialysis.

One of the factors that make kidney disease patients in Singapore increase dramatically is because of the aging population. As we get older, it is known that the kidney function will decrease.

In addition, the risk of contracting chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure is also getting higher in old age. Both diseases can trigger kidney disease to occur.

Another risk factor is a more prosperous lifestyle. As people's welfare increases, their diet and habit of exercising also change.

"It's true that more and more people are more active and more aware of sugar and salt intake. However, often the intake of salt and sodium in food is invisible. For example, it is contained in sauce, spices and soup," said Professor Yeo See Cheng, Head Department of Renal Medicine, quoted from CNA, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

"In Singapore, every citizen consumes more than double the amount of sodium recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and this is a worrying trend," he added.

Professor Cheng also said that kidney failure is the final stage of kidney disease, and can actually be prevented to that stage. However, many patients do not realize from the start because they do not feel any symptoms. New symptoms will appear after the kidneys experience a significant decrease in function.

"The kidney gap occurs when the patient's kidney function decreases to a very low level so that the body is no longer able to compensate," concluded Professor Cheng.