Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is caused by a kidney's inability to filter waste and unnecessary fluids. Without a functioning kidney, excess fluid accumulates, which can lead to a plethora of complications, including anemia, nerve injury and brittle bones. The National Kidney Foundation reports that 26 million American adults have chronic kidney disease, and millions of others are at increased risk.

Causes
Two-thirds of all CKD instances stem from diabetes or high blood pressure. With diabetes, one's blood sugar is dangerously high, which damages numerous organs, including the kidney.

High blood pressure is when the heart pumps out lots of blood, usually to counterbalance narrow arteries. The increased pressure in the blood stream can damage the kidney, leading to CKD. Also, if one has CKD from a different cause, the disease can cause high blood pressure.

The National Kidney Foundation says other factors can spur CKD: urinary infections, obstructions, lupus, malformations that developed as a fetus, inherited diseases and glomerulonephritis.