Lucknow: Kidney damage caused by diabetes can develop silently, but two simple tests can help detect it early, doctors said at a conference organised by the UP Diabetes Association (UPDA) on Thursday.The tests are the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), which detects protein leakage in urine, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which assesses how efficiently the kidneys filter waste from the blood. These tests should be done on a yearly basis.Ajay Tewari said around 25% of people with long-standing diabetes develop kidney disease, which often remains asymptomatic and is detected only at an advanced stage. He said a routine creatinine test alone does not provide a complete picture of kidney health, while eGFR measures kidney function and UACR can identify early kidney damage.According to the American Diabetes Association’s 2026 Standards of Care, people with type 2 diabetes should undergo UACR and eGFR testing annually, even without symptoms. For those with type 1 diabetes, screening should begin five years after diagnosis and continue every year.Doctors said patients should not wait for swelling or changes in urination before getting tested, as diabetic kidney disease can progress without warning signs.Manoj Kumar Srivastava and Narsingh Verma stressed the importance of controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, avoiding unnecessary medicines that may harm the kidneys, and using kidney-protective therapies where appropriate.UPDA’s annual conference begins on Friday. More than 600 doctors and delegates have registered, with over 100 speakers scheduled to address scientific sessions and more than 100 research papers expected to be presented.
