On World Kidney Day, March 12, knowledge about kidney disease is spread globally. About one in ten Swedes has impaired kidney function without symptoms, posing major health risks if detected late. The Njurföreningen Gävle-Dala urges Region Dalarna to implement routine testing at primary care centers to catch the disease early.
Kidney disease affects more people than many realize in Sweden. Estimates suggest that around 10 percent of the population has chronic kidney disease, often without any symptoms. In Dalarna, with 286,043 inhabitants as of December 31, 2025, this could mean over 28,600 people carry a hidden kidney condition. The disease is sometimes called a 'silent disease' because it can remain symptom-free until the kidneys fail completely.
Early detection is crucial. A simple blood or urine test at a primary care center can identify the issue in its initial stages. The national care program for chronic kidney disease outlines treatments to detect more cases early and provide preventive care. Lifestyle changes and medications can slow the disease's progression, reducing the later need for dialysis or transplantation.
Despite this, systematic testing for at-risk groups—such as those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking, or high BMI—is often lacking. The Njurföreningen Gävle-Dala emphasizes the need for routine tests for these groups at the region's primary care centers. To avoid unnecessary suffering and societal costs, the national program's recommendations should be followed closely.
Hans Peters, chairman of the Njurföreningen Gävle-Dala, states: 'We are happy to help in this work. Our members have plenty of experience with kidney disease and we are willing to share what we know. Let us work together to reduce the health risks that arise when a person with kidney disease goes around unaware of their condition.' The association offers support based on members' experiences to improve detection in Region Dalarna.
