Nearly one in five Malaysian adults, or 18.3%, has diabetes – which, in turn, is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. You can see where these statistics are pointing to: a potentially catastrophic burden of chronic kidney disease and kidney failure in the coming decade. The Ministry of Health has already warned that by the year 2040, there could be more than 100,000 Malaysians on dialysis. This will place an enormous strain on individuals, their families and on the health system. We speak to consultant nephrologist Dr Chow Yok Wai to find out how chronic kidney disease can be detected and treated earlier, to delay the need for dialysis.