Kidney Screening for Diabetics and Hypertensive Patients: Why It’s Essential

Kidney disease is a progressive disease that goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage and it can be a significant health threat to individuals suffering from diabetes or hypertension. Research says that nearly 20% of 400 million people living with diabetes mellitus suffer from serious diabetic kidney disease, which, if left untreated, can even lead to kidney failure.

At Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital, the best urologist in Kurukshetra suggests that routine kidney screenings in patients with diabetes and hypertension are necessary. Timely diagnosis not only slows down the progression of kidney disease but also helps prevent cardiovascular issues related to kidney malfunction.

In this article, we will highlight the importance of early intervention and treatment for kidney disease in diabetic and hypertensive patients. We will also discuss how kidney screenings can improve long-term outcomes in certain conditions.

How Diabetes and Hypertension Affect Kidney Health?

Diabetes damages the kidney by destroying tiny blood vessels that filter waste products, while high blood sugar levels gradually weaken kidney function over time, allowing the rapid buildup of waste products in the bloodstream. In these cases, the early signs of kidney issues are protein leakage in urine, also termed as albuminuria.

On the other hand, diabetics are also seen as high blood pressure, which further exacerbates kidney damage by putting excessive pressure on delicate filtering units within the kidneys. Damaged nerves stemming from diabetes can severely impair bladder function, resulting in urinary retention and sometimes kidney infections or injury.

These factors evoke a vicious cycle of damage that, if not detected on time, can lead to chronic kidney disease and often to end-stage kidney failure.

Importance of Kidney Disease Screening for Public Health

CKD and its advanced form end-stage kidney disease place a heavy burden on global healthcare systems worldwide. Much of the strain comes from late diagnoses when costly treatment options have become severely limited and rather expensive. However, regular screenings can help:

1. Reducing the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular complications over time.

2. In early detection, it allows ample time for preparing for dialysis or kidney transplant if needed urgently.

3. Improving patients’ quality of life for longer and reducing the morbidity rates.

With that said, it’s the biggest challenge to identify kidney disease until its last stage. That’s why regular screening becomes crucial for people with known risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney issues. Timely identification enables doctors to intervene medically before irreversible harm happens.

Essential Tests for Kidney Function

Screenings have become even more important for patients with additional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or a family history of kidney or heart disease. Early identification enables healthcare professionals to recommend lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, and timely referrals to nephrology specialists. Healthcare experts recommend annual kidney screenings for all diabetic and hypertensive patients. This includes:

1. Blood Tests

These tests assess the ability of the kidneys to filter waste and whether the body can maintain chemical balance or not:

Serum Creatinine Test: This test is done to measure the presence of creatinine levels in blood for evaluating kidney function. If the creatine level is high it shows issues with kidney function.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): It evaluates kidney efficiency in removing nitrogenous waste from bodily fluids.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): It estimates kidney function quite accurately by measuring filtration through glomeruli under various physiological conditions. GFR remains the gold standard for assessing kidney disease stages accurately in medical practice.

2. Urine Tests

Urine problems are the first sign of kidney damage in diabetic patients, and it can be detected via urine tests.

Urine Albumin Test (ACR): Detects microalbuminuria—an early marker of diabetic kidney disease.

Urinalysis: It is done to test for the presence of blood, protein, or any other abnormal substances present in urine.

3. Imaging and Other Diagnostic Tests

Kidney Ultrasound or CT Scan: Helps assess kidney size, structure, and detect abnormalities such as cysts, tumors, or obstructions.

Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a biopsy may be necessary to evaluate the extent and cause of kidney damage.

These tests are readily available at advanced diagnostic centers such as the pathology labs associated with Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital.

Final thoughts

Managing kidney health is a lifelong commitment, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. In these cases, regular screening and proactive medical care can effectively mitigate the issues. It allows early intervention and prevents serious complications.

Specialists at Shri Balaji Aarogyam Hospital, having the best urologists in Kurukshetra, provide thorough screening and tailor-made care plans for patients struggling with kidney issues.

Do not wait for kidney issues and their symptoms to surface if diabetes or high blood pressure runs in your family or you have it. Book your appointment now with the best urologists at Kurukshetra and get yourself safe from lifelong kidney issues.