A shocking new study published in The Lancet medical journal has revealed a dramatic global surge in kidney disease cases, with numbers increasing tenfold over the past three decades. The research shows that cases jumped from 78 million people affected in 1990 to a staggering 788 million in 2023, making chronic kidney disease the ninth leading cause of death worldwide.
Essential Tests for Kidney Health
In light of these alarming statistics, early detection through proper medical testing becomes crucial for managing kidney health effectively. Dr Arjun Sabharwal, a nephrologist trained at D.Y. Patil School of Medicine in Mumbai and the Royal College of Physicians in the UK, has highlighted several key tests that can help identify kidney problems before they become severe.
Blood Tests: Creatinine and eGFR
Your kidneys perform the vital function of filtering waste from your blood, and the most straightforward way to assess their efficiency is through the blood creatinine test and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). "Creatinine alone is just a number. eGFR tells how much the kidneys are working," explains Dr Sabharwal. The eGFR provides a percentage measurement of your actual kidney function, giving doctors a clearer picture of your renal health.
Cystatin C: The Alternative Marker
For individuals who exercise regularly, take supplements, have significant muscle mass, or use creatinine, standard creatinine tests can sometimes provide misleading results. This is where the cystatin C test becomes valuable. Cystatin C is a protein produced by cells throughout your body, and when kidneys function properly, its levels remain normal in the blood. The National Kidney Foundation confirms that cystatin C levels rise when kidney function declines, making it a more accurate indicator for certain patient groups.
Urine Tests: Early Warning Systems
Before kidney function shows significant decline, your body often provides warning signs through urine changes. The urine dipstick test offers a quick method to detect protein leakage into urine, which can indicate early kidney damage. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, this test involves placing a chemically treated paper strip into a urine sample, with color changes indicating the presence of albumin protein.
The urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) test provides more detailed information about how much protein is leaking from kidneys into urine. Higher than normal levels typically signal kidney-related issues that require medical attention.
When to Seek Professional Help
Dr Sabharwal emphasizes that once test results show abnormalities such as elevated urine PCR, increasing creatinine levels, or blood in dipstick tests, immediate consultation with a nephrologist is essential. "Diet, turmeric milk, detox, and home remedies won't work here," the doctor strongly cautions, stressing the importance of professional medical intervention for kidney conditions.
The dramatic increase in kidney disease cases highlights the critical need for regular screening, especially for individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of kidney problems. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and can help slow disease progression, potentially saving millions from the devastating consequences of advanced kidney disease.
