Family History and Kidney Disease Risk
What a family history of kidney disease means, and how to screen.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Some kidney diseases run in families, and diabetes and high blood pressure — the main causes of kidney failure — also cluster in families.
What to do
If a parent or sibling has kidney disease, get a yearly eGFR and urine albumin test, even if you feel well.
Frequently asked questions
Is kidney disease always hereditary?
No — most is acquired from diabetes and blood pressure, but some forms are inherited.