TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Health Promotion Administration (HPA, 國民健康署), a government health agency, warned on Tuesday (March 11) that the "three highs" — high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high cholesterol — significantly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The warning highlights a growing public health concern as Taiwan ranks first worldwide for treated end-stage renal disease incidence. About 90,000 people currently undergo dialysis treatment in Taiwan, with annual medical costs approaching NT$50 billion (around US$1.57 billion).
The "three highs" are among the most common chronic health conditions globally and are closely linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and kidney failure. Unmanaged, these conditions gradually damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the filtering units inside the kidneys. The number of dialysis patients in Taiwan increases by roughly 10,000 each year, placing significant strain on the healthcare system and raising concerns among public health officials.
HPA data show that about one in 10 adults aged 40 or older have impaired kidney function, with the risk rising to one in five among those with all three conditions. In the disease's early stages, many patients experience few or no symptoms, meaning the condition frequently goes undetected until kidney function has declined. Health officials say early screening remains one of the most effective ways to detect kidney disease before it progresses.
Taiwan ranked first worldwide for the incidence of treated end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in 2022, though the nation's overall prevalence of chronic kidney disease is estimated at about 10%, similar to other countries. Smokers face a higher risk of chronic kidney disease compared with nonsmokers, while people who are overweight or obese are significantly more likely to develop the condition. Lifestyle and health factors further increase the risk beyond the "three highs" alone.
About 11.1% of the global adult population is living with diabetes in 2025, with more than four in 10 people unaware they have the condition, according to international health data. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death worldwide, with heart attacks and other ischemic heart diseases accounting for about 11% of all deaths in OECD countries. Taiwan's adult preventive health services program offers regular screenings including blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney function.
Better management of blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol — along with lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking — can significantly reduce the risk of kidney disease. These measures could ease the long-term burden on healthcare systems in Taiwan and globally. Health officials urge residents to take advantage of preventive screening programs to catch kidney problems early. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$31.76)
