Are you affected by type 1 or type 2 diabetes? If yes, then you may be prone to chronic kidney disease. Understanding the signs of kidney disease is crucial, and blood tests for kidney function are essential for detecting the internal condition of your body. Early detection allows you to take steps for protecting your kidneys.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a severe condition where your kidneys are damaged, often caused by conditions such as:
- 🩺 Diabetes — the leading cause of kidney damage
- 💓 High blood pressure
- 🧬 Genetic conditions
- 💊 Long-term medication use
Warning: You may not notice symptoms until your kidneys are significantly damaged. This is why regular blood tests are so important.
Damaged kidneys cannot filter blood properly. If left untreated, kidney disease can lead to heart disease and can be life-threatening. Regular health check-ups are essential for maintaining good kidney health.
Blood Tests for Kidney Function
Kidneys remove toxins, waste, and extra fluid from your blood. Blood tests help monitor how well your kidneys are performing this vital function.
1. 🧪 Serum Creatinine Test
Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood. When kidneys aren't working properly, creatinine levels rise.
Normal Creatinine Levels:
- 👩 Women: Should not exceed 1.2 mg/dL
- 👨 Men: Should not exceed 1.4 mg/dL
Creatinine levels are affected by your age, sex, and muscle mass. Your doctor will interpret results based on these factors.
2. 🔬 Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
BUN measures the amount of urea nitrogen in your blood. Urea is a waste product created when your body breaks down protein from food.
- Healthy kidneys filter urea from the blood
- High BUN levels may indicate kidney problems
- Results help doctors plan treatment
3. 📊 Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
GFR is the gold standard for measuring kidney function. It estimates how well your kidneys remove toxins, waste, and extra fluid from the blood.
GFR is calculated using:
- Your serum creatinine level
- Your age
- Your sex
- Your body size
Understanding GFR Results:
- ✅ 90+ mL/min — Normal kidney function
- ⚠️ 60-89 mL/min — Mildly reduced function
- ⚠️ 30-59 mL/min — Moderately reduced function
- ❌ 15-29 mL/min — Severely reduced function
- ❌ Below 15 mL/min — Kidney failure
Urine Tests for Kidney Function
One of the earliest signs of kidney disease is protein leaking into the urine, a condition called proteinuria.
Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR)
This test compares the amount of albumin (a protein) to the amount of creatinine in your urine.
- Helps detect kidney disease early
- Monitors progression of kidney problems
- Guides treatment decisions
Why it matters: If albumin is found in your urine, it means your kidneys may not be filtering properly — even if other tests appear normal.
Other Kidney Tests
Doctors may recommend additional tests to fully assess your kidney health:
🖼️ Imaging Tests
Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI provide pictures of your kidneys to show:
- Size and shape of kidneys
- Presence of stones or blockages
- Structural abnormalities
💓 Blood Pressure Monitoring
High blood pressure is both a cause and consequence of kidney disease. Regular monitoring is essential, especially if you have:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Family history of kidney disease
👉 Book Cardiac & Blood Pressure Screening
🔍 Kidney Biopsy
In some cases, a kidney biopsy may be needed. This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the kidney to:
- Identify the specific type of kidney disease
- Assess the extent of damage
- Guide treatment planning
Who Should Get Kidney Function Tests?
You should consider regular kidney function testing if you have:
- ✅ Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- ✅ High blood pressure
- ✅ Heart disease
- ✅ Family history of kidney disease
- ✅ Are over 60 years old
- ✅ Obesity
- ✅ History of kidney stones
Protecting Your Kidney Health
Here are steps you can take to protect your kidneys:
- 🥗 Eat a balanced diet — low in salt and processed foods
- 💧 Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water
- 🏃 Exercise regularly
- 🚭 Don't smoke
- 💊 Take medications as prescribed
- 🩺 Get regular check-ups — especially if you have risk factors
- 📊 Monitor blood sugar and blood pressure
🏥 Book Your Kidney Function Test at Walk In Clinic London
Take control of your kidney health with our comprehensive kidney function blood tests. Early detection is key to preventing serious complications.
For more information or to book, call us at 020 71833649 or email info@walkinclinic.london.