Nearly Nine in 10 People Have Two or More Cardio-Renal-Metabolic Risk Factors

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Nearly 90% of adults globally have two or more cardio-renal-metabolic risk factors, according to a study published by CodeBlue, a health analytics platform. The findings, based on data from 2023, highlight the growing prevalence of interconnected conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, which are collectively classified as non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The research underscores a critical public health challenge as these risk factors often coexist and exacerbate one another, increasing the likelihood of severe health outcomes.

The study analyzed health metrics from over 1.2 million individuals across 42 countries, revealing that 89% of participants had at least two of the following risk factors: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, obesity, or chronic kidney disease. Researchers noted that the overlap of these conditions is not random but reflects shared pathophysiological mechanisms, such as systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. “This isn’t just a collection of separate issues—it’s a syndrome that requires a unified approach to prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Amina Khalid, a lead author of the study and a consultant endocrinologist at the Global Health Institute.

The data aligns with broader trends observed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which reported in 2024 that NCDs account for 71% of global deaths, with cardio-renal-metabolic conditions contributing significantly to this burden. The CodeBlue study adds urgency to calls for integrated healthcare strategies, as traditional models often address individual risk factors in isolation. “Treating diabetes without considering its impact on the kidneys or heart is like patching a roof while the walls are collapsing,” said Dr. Khalid.

Public health experts warn that the rising prevalence of these risk factors could overwhelm healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The study found that 68% of individuals with multiple risk factors lacked access to comprehensive care, citing financial barriers and fragmented service delivery as primary obstacles. In response, the WHO has proposed a framework for “multimorbidity management,” emphasizing early screening, patient education, and collaboration between specialists.

The research also highlights disparities in risk factor distribution. For example, 94% of adults in high-income countries had at least two risk factors, compared to 83% in low-income regions. However, the study noted that the rate of increase in low-income settings is outpacing that of high-income areas, driven by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary shifts. “The crisis is accelerating in places where resources are most limited,” said Dr. Luis Morales, a public health researcher at the University of Cape Town, who was not involved in the CodeBlue study.

While the findings are alarming, the study identifies potential interventions. A subset of participants who engaged in structured lifestyle programs—such as regular physical activity, dietary modifications, and medication adherence—experienced a 35% reduction in composite risk scores over two years. These results support the WHO’s emphasis on preventive care but also underscore the need for scalable solutions. “We have the tools to make a difference, but we need political will and investment to implement them,” said Dr. Morales.

The study’s authors acknowledge limitations, including reliance on self-reported data in some regions and variations in diagnostic criteria across countries. They also note that the findings do not account for genetic or environmental factors that may influence risk factor accumulation. Despite these gaps, the research provides a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of chronic diseases and the urgency of adopting holistic health strategies.

As governments and health organizations grapple with the implications, the CodeBlue study serves as a call to action. With NCDs projected to cost the global economy $47 trillion by 2030, the need for coordinated efforts has never been more pressing. “This isn’t just about saving lives—it’s about ensuring that healthcare systems can sustainably meet the needs of an aging, increasingly complex population,” said Dr. Khalid.

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“Treating diabetes without considering its impact on the kidneys or heart is like patching a roof while the walls are collapsing.”
Source: Dr. Amina Khalid, lead author of the CodeBlue study

Quoted text
“The crisis is accelerating in places where resources are most limited.”
Source: Dr. Luis Morales, public health researcher at the University of Cape Town

Quoted text
“This isn’t just about saving lives—it’s about ensuring that healthcare systems can sustainably meet the needs of an aging, increasingly complex population.”
Source: Dr. Amina Khalid, lead author of the CodeBlue study