Getting Screened For CKD
If you have diabetes the National Kidney Foundation suggests that you ask your doctor about having three simple tests:
- Blood pressure measurement. High blood pressure is the second leading cause of CKD. It also is a complication of CKD. The blood pressure target is less than 130/80 mg Hg.
- Measurement of protein in the urine. Protein is an important building block in the body, and your kidneys normally reabsorb any filtered protein. When your kidneys are damaged, however, protein leaks into the urine. Persistent protein in the urine (two positive tests over several weeks) indicates chronic kidney disease.
- Measurement of your level of creatinine (a waste that comes from normal muscle activity). When your kidneys are damaged, creatinine can build to high levels in your blood. The results of your creatinine blood test should be used to estimate your glomerular filtration rate, or GFR. Your GFR tells how much kidney function you have. More information about GFR and the GFR calculator.
Free screening for kidney disease may be available in your community through the National Kidney Foundation's Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP)™. Check with the National Kidney Foundation affiliate in your area to find out if this screening is available. You may also get more information about KEEP by calling the national toll-free number 1-800-622-9010.
