Scientists have developed a new kidney disease diagnostic method that detects problems early.

Kidney health is something we often overlook until a problem arises, but it is crucial to detect any complications early on. During routine medical check-ups, doctors frequently conduct urine tests to identify signs of kidney issues. However, these tests don’t always reveal problems, prompting scientists to develop a radically new diagnostic approach that could be particularly beneficial for older adults, reports Knowridge.

The two primary indicators used by doctors are the level of albumin in urine and the so-called glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which checks how effectively your kidneys filter blood. Individuals with diabetes may develop a condition known as diabetic kidney disease, where the kidneys begin to leak a protein called albumin into the urine.

In the early stages, kidneys can work overtime and filter too much blood — this phase is referred to as hyperfiltration. However, over time, their filtering capability slows down, and GFR decreases. The issue is that as we age, kidney function naturally declines, making it challenging to detect early signs of hyperfiltration — especially with existing testing methods.

To address this problem, researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University, led by Dr. Akihiro Tsuda, devised a better way to measure kidney function in older adults. They studied 180 healthy individuals considered as kidney donors and used them as a model to refine the calculation of GFR. Their new formula does not account for body size, a common method for calculating GFR, as this adjustment can sometimes mask early kidney issues, particularly in overweight individuals. Instead, their method focuses on the natural age-related changes in kidney function, making it more accurate for older adults.

You might wonder why this is so important. Hyperfiltration is one of the earliest signs of diabetic kidney disease, which can lead to kidney failure if treatment does not begin early. Dr. Tsuda explained that the new formula could help doctors detect this condition much sooner, giving them the opportunity to initiate timely treatment that could slow or even prevent serious kidney damage.

This discovery, detailed in the journal Hypertension Research, represents a significant step toward enhancing routine examinations and improving their effectiveness for older adults and those at risk of kidney disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 37 million adults in the United States alone suffer from chronic kidney disease, with diabetes being one of the leading causes. By refining early detection methods for kidney problems, this new approach could help preserve the health of millions.

This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, consult a specialist.