Kidney disease could end up becoming a "public health emergency" without more government funding into researching it, a charity has warned.
A report from Kidney Research UK has highlighted the growing costs associated with the condition including the expense of treatment and money lost to the economy by those who are left unable to work.
It estimates that kidney disease costs the UK economy £7 billion every year, £6.4 billion of which are direct costs to the NHS.
On top of that, it predicts the figure could rise to £13.9 billion in the next decade if no action is taken.
How many people have kidney disease in the UK?
More than seven million people live with chronic kidney disease across the country, Kidney Research Uk estimates.
However, that figure could rise, with people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and those who are obese most at risk.
The charity is calling for “significant government action” to implement healthcare interventions, which it estimates could save 10,000 lives by 2033, and said kidney disease should be a priority in long-term NHS plans.
It is also pushing for Government research funding to go up to £50 million.
Sandra Currie, chief executive of Kidney Research UK, said: “These figures are a stark warning, kidney disease has reached the point of being a public health emergency for the UK and unless serious action is taken the NHS risks being overwhelmed with demand.
“There is no cure for kidney disease, a transplant does not last a lifetime and dialysis patients face hours of gruelling treatment every week, taking them away from loved ones and making it harder to work.
“We know the only hope for stopping the growth of kidney disease and the increasing burden to the health system, the economy and to patients is better prevention strategies, earlier diagnosis and better treatment options, and yet kidney disease isn’t even included in NHS long-term strategic plans."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said the government is "committed" to improving services for patients living with kidney disease.
"We fund research for all aspects of health, including research into kidney disease, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research," they added.
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