Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks for the most common etiology of CKD globally in adults.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Glomerulonephritis: More common in some developing regions but not globally leading.
(B) Hypertension: Second most common.
(C) Diabetes mellitus: Correct — Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause worldwide due to rising diabetes prevalence.
(D) Polycystic kidney disease: Rare genetic cause.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) Diabetes mellitus, as it is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide.