7 Early Signs Your Kidneys Need Help – What eGFR Is Really Telling You

Your kidneys silently filter about 50 gallons of blood every single day, removing waste and balancing fluids. But when they begin to fail — especially in people with diabetes — the symptoms often do not show until serious damage has already occurred.

That’s where the Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) comes in. This simple blood test gives a precise measure of kidney function, detecting issues long before symptoms appear.

Here are 7 early signs your kidneys may be under stress — and what your eGFR test is really trying to tell you.

  1. You Feel Tired All the Time

Low kidney function leads to the buildup of toxins in your blood. This can make you feel constantly fatigued or weak — even if your blood sugar is under control.

If you’re tired despite good rest and glucose control, get your eGFR tested.

  1. You’re Urinating Less or More Frequently

Changes in urination — whether it’s too much, too little, or foamy— could signal that your kidneys aren’t working well.

eGFR helps confirm if these changes are due to kidney disease or something else .

  1. Swelling in Your Feet, Ankles or Face

When the kidneys can’t filter properly, fluid builds up in the body. If your shoes feel tight or your face looks puffy in the morning, it is time to check your eGFR.

Swelling is one of the earliest physical signs of poor kidney function.

  1. Your Creatinine or Urea Levels Are High

eGFR is calculated using serum creatinine, age and gender. It gives a clearer picture than just creatinine alone — especially in early kidney damage.

If your creatinine is borderline, eGFR can catch the decline before it worsens.

  1. You Have Long-Standing Diabetes or High BP

Both conditions can quietly damage kidney filters (nephrons) over time. The eGFR test detects subtle drops in kidney function — even when other tests seem normal.

People with diabetes should get eGFR tested at least once a year.

  1. You Have Trouble Concentrating or Experience Brain Fog

Build-up of urea and waste in the blood (a result of declining kidney function) can lead to mental fatigue, confusion, or poor memory.

eGFR reveals if poor concentration may be linked to declining filtration.

  1. You Take Medications That Affect the Kidneys

If you’re on long-term use of NSAIDs (painkillers), antibiotics, or metformin, regular eGFR checks are essential to ensure your kidneys are safely processing your medication.

The eGFR test helps your doctor adjust doses or change treatment as needed.

eGFR Reference Chart

eGFR (mL/min/1.73m²) Kidney Function
90+ Normal
60–89 Mild decrease
30–59 Moderate impairment
15–29 Severe impairment
<15 Kidney failure

 

Don’t Wait for Symptoms

At Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, eGFR is a routine part of our kidney screening for people with diabetes. Early detection helps prevent dialysis or end-stage kidney disease.

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

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