4 Kidney Tests Every Person with Diabetes Must Do Before It’s Too Late

If you are living with diabetes, you’re already watching your blood sugar. But are you watching your kidneys? Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) — and the scary part is, it often shows no symptoms until it is advanced.

The good news? Early testing can help catch kidney damage early, slow its progress, and even prevent dialysis.

Here are the 4 essential kidney tests that every person with diabetes should take — and how they can help save your kidneys.

  1. Serum Creatinine – Your First Warning Sign

Creatinine is a waste product filtered by the kidneys. When your kidneys are struggling, creatinine builds up in the blood. It is often the first lab clue that your kidneys aren’t clearing waste properly.

  • Normal Range: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL (men), 0.6–1.2 mg/dL (women)
  • Why it matters: High creatinine may indicate early kidney stress, especially in people with long-standing or uncontrolled diabetes.

If your creatinine is rising, it is time to act- and fast.

  1. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) – The True Kidney Score

Your eGFR tells you how well your kidneys are filtering waste, based on your creatinine levels, age, and gender.

  • eGFR > 90 = Normal
  • 60–89 = Mild loss of function
  • < 60 = Kidney disease (requires attention)

The eGFR is the most accurate estimate of kidney function and should be checked at least once a year.

  1. Urine Albumin (Microalbuminuria) – The Silent Leak

This test checks for tiny amounts of protein in your urine — one of the earliest signs of diabetic kidney damage.

  • Even if your creatinine is normal, microalbuminuria can reveal hidden kidney stress.
  • Persistent protein in urine is called diabetic nephropathy and needs treatment right away.

Microalbuminuria is completely reversible if caught early.

  1. Blood Urea– Supporting Role, Big Impact

Urea measures the amount of nitrogen waste in your blood. While not a stand-alone marker, it helps your doctor interpret creatinine and eGFR better — especially during dehydration or medication changes.

Why You Can’t Ignore These Tests

  • Kidney damage can begin years before you feel symptoms
  • Once damage is advanced, it is often irreversible
  • Early detection can prevent complications like:
    • Fluid retention and swelling
    • High blood pressure
    • Fatigue and weakness
    • Need for Dialysis or a kidney transplant

Don’t Wait for Symptoms – Get Tested Early

At Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, we include all 4 kidney tests in our diabetes care packages to ensure your kidneys are protected as you manage your sugar levels.

Visit us for more : https://drmohans.com/lab/

book your health package now : https://drmohansdiabetes.co.in/dmdsc_packages/?package=DMD1504