Davao Statistics related to Chronic Kidney Disease
Nephrologists serving in Davao warn about an increase of cases of end-stage renal disease leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
In a press briefing done in June 2024, Dr. Alrick Escudero, a nephrologist from the Mindanao Chapter of the Philippine Society of Nephrology, said that as of 2022, data from the Department of Health showed around 90,000 Filipinos are on dialysis.
In the Davao region, which includes Davao City and Panabo City, there are around 2,400 patients, with an approximate increase of 12-15 percent per year. During this briefing, Dr. Escudero provides additional statistics relevant to Chronic Kidney Disease:
- The prevalence of Filipinos on diabetes are around 35.94 percent
- In Davao, around 94 percent of end-stage renal disease patients go through hemodialysis, 4 percent undergo peritoneal dialysis, and only two percent underwent kidney transplantation
Information about the prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease is still scarce, especially in local communities in Davao that are outside urban centers.
Still, the overall data gathered from Davao Region can help residents in Panabo City and elsewhere in Davao to take steps toward prevention of this irreversible disease, early detection, and healthier living.
This brief article gives an overview of what Chronic Kidney Disease is and why early detection and healthy lifestyle is crucial for the long-term health of our kidneys.
What Kidneys Do: Your Body's Filtration System
Kidneys are two fist-sized organs near your lower back that act as sophisticated filters. Each kidney contains around a million nephrons (filtering units). These filters process about 200 liters of blood daily, removing toxins and excess fluid from the blood through the urine.
The kidneys also regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cell-stimulating hormones, and balance electrolytes like sodium and potassium.
Chronic Kidney Disease is irreversible. When the kidneys no longer function well, waste in the blood accumulates, causing systemic damage to both the kidney and other body organs.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease: The Path to Kidney Damage
Chronic kidney disease begins when underlying conditions damage nephrons over years. In the Philippines, the top triggers of kidney damage are uncontrolled diabetes (high blood sugar scars blood vessels) and hypertension (high pressure strains filters).
Genetic disorders like polycystic kidney disease or recurrent infections also contribute to kidney damage. In Davao Region, the prevalence of diabetes is significantly high, which is why diabetes falls as one of the top 5 leading causes of death in the Philippines.
In addition, communities exposed to agricultural pesticide exposure, high sodium content in salted fish (like lamayo) and processed meats also accelerate the number of diabetes and hypertension cases.
As of March 31, 2025, 31,321 cases of diabetes mellitus were responsible for 6.3%of total deaths in the Philippines.
The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in CKD
Since the kidneys act as the body’s natural filters, diet and lifestyle have significant impact on kidney stress. Key strategies include:
- Reducing sodium intake to control blood pressure. One way to do this is limiting processed foods like tuyo, canned meat, and chips
- Moderating protein (meat, dairy) to ease filtration workload.
- Avoiding sugary drinks. Commercial drinks and beverages are a major contributor of diabetes.
- In Davao, traditional diets rich in coconut milk (gata) and fermented foods may heighten risks if consumed excessively.
- Eliminating smoking and alcoholic drinks. Exposure to harmful metals and toxic substances also harm the kidneys.
- Sedentary lifestyle make it harder for the kidneys to clean waste from the blood, while hydration and exercise protect them.
- Regular checkups. In the Philippines, late diagnosis is common—over 50% of cases of CKD are detected at Stages 3–5. In addition, Davao’s rural communities still have less access to competent healthcare, making it difficult to mitigate CKD progression during its early stages.
In a press briefing in Davao City, Dr. Rachel Pableo Esquivel, another nephrologist in Davao, highlights the need to drink lots of water, and to frequently eat vegetables and fruits. It is also important to exercise regularly and have regular check-ups.
Dr. Esquivel advised, “If you eat meat, eat lean, not fatty food. Fatty food can contribute to cardiac disease and hypertension, which will also have effects on our kidneys.” Ischemic heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the Philippines.
Dr. Esquivel also mentioned that overuse of medications and obesity pose significant harms to the kidneys. Kidney problems is also connected with to Diabetes Mellitus, one of the top 5 causes of death in the Philippines.
High blood sugar levels, which is common in both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. This problem makes the kidneys unable to filter waste from the blood, leading to diabetic nephropathy.
The 5 Stages of CKD: From Mild to Kidney Failure
Chronic Kidney Disease is usually diagnosed when the patient’s kidneys are unable to function properly for at least three months. CKD progresses through measurable stages:
| STAGES | GFR (ml/min) | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
|
STAGE 1 |
>90 |
Mild damage; normal function |
|
STAGE 2 |
60-89 |
Mild decline; often asymptomatic |
|
STAGE 3 |
30-59 |
Moderate decline; fatigue/swelling appear |
|
STAGE 4 |
15-29 |
Severe decline; requires treatment prep |
|
STAGE 5 |
<15 |
Kidney failure; needs dialysis/transplant |
| STAGES OF CKD | |
|---|---|
|
STAGE 1 |
>90 GFR |
|
Kidneys have mild damage; normal function |
|
|
STAGE 2 |
60-89 GFR |
|
Mild decline; often asymptomatic |
|
|
STAGE 3 |
30-59 GFR |
|
Moderate decline; fatigue/swelling appear |
|
|
STAGE 4 |
15-29 GFR |
|
Severe decline; requires treatment prep |
|
|
STAGE 5 |
<15 |
|
Kidney failure; needs dialysis/transplant |
|
Unfortunately, over 30,000 Filipinos reach Stage 5 every year, with cases in Davao Region representing 12% of national dialysis cases.
Although CKD is irreversible, the progression of CKD can span decades when managed properly. However, it can accelerate and lead to kidney failure when there is poor control of existing risk factors.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
Early CKD is often “silent” and undetectable without the right texts. Many Filipinos do not recognize problems with their kidneys until they undergo examination and consultation with a nephrologist.
But there are subtle clues that point to possible kidney problems. These include:
- Foamy urine)
- Swollen ankles/eyes
- Unexplained fatigue and weakness
- Hypertension, especially in teens and young adults
- Unusual changes in urination
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Frequent pain in the back
- Shortness of breath
- Frequent Muscle Cramps
Managing CKD in Davao and Panabo City
Treatment of CKD are handled by nephrologists. These are medical doctors who are focused on preserving kidney health and treating various kidney-related ailments. These include the early stages of kidney disease to end-stage renal disease.
The goal of kidney treatment is slowing down the progression of kidney disease. Here are some treatment protocols done for patients with CKD:
- Medications: ACE inhibitors for blood pressure, SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes.
- Dietary changes: Low-phosphorus, low-potassium meals (avoid bananas, whole grains).
- Advanced care: Hemodialysis (3x/week) or transplants (only 500 done annually in PH).
- Davao’s Southern Philippines Medical Center offers dialysis, but rural access remains limited.
Davao’s Southern Philippines Medical Center offers dialysis, but rural access remains limited. In Panabo City, the Nephro Group of Dialysis Centers, located at the Rivera Medical Center, provides top notch hemodialysis services at affordable cost.
Early Detection and Regular Consultation are Crucial for managing CKD
Early intervention can delay dialysis by 5–10 years. Simple urine tests detect protein leaks, while blood tests measure GFR, which are important for early detection of CDK. Davao Region’s CKD mortality is 22% higher than the national average due to late diagnoses.
Thus, annual checkups are vital for those in Davao Region with diabetes, hypertension, or family history—especially for those living in high-risk areas with limited healthcare access.
RMCI’s Medical Arts provide residents in Panabo City and Davao Region with access to competent nephrologists. To set appointment with our kidney experts at 09257807696.
Sources: Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), World Health Organization (WHO), Philippine Department of Health (DOH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Philippine News Agency (PNA)
