Understanding Kidney Health
Understanding your kidneys can aid in preventing or slowing kidney disease progression. Recognizing the importance of related tests is crucial.
1. Know Your Kidney Numbers Early
Understanding your kidney health begins with two important tests:
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR):
A simple blood test that measures how well your kidneys are filtering waste. - Urine Albumin–Creatinine Ratio (uACR):
A urine test that checks for protein (albumin) leakage. Because protein should stay in the bloodstream, only very small amounts should appear in urine.
Kidney disease often develops silently, without noticeable symptoms. These tests are the most reliable way to detect problems early - or prevent them altogether.
Albumin/Creatinine Ratio (Urine)-Calculation
Protein/Creatinine (Urine)
Uric Acid/Creatinine Ratio (Urine)-Calculation
2. Manage Conditions That Impact Kidney Health
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease.
If not well controlled, both conditions can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, eventually leading to long-term kidney impairment.
Talk to your healthcare team about the best ways to manage these conditions and protect your kidney function. Understanding how diabetes and high blood pressure affect your kidneys is an important first step in preventing further damage.
