04/06/2026
Many patients are surprised when I tell them that kidney disease can develop silently for years without obvious symptoms.
In clinic, kidney function tests are one of the most important screening tools we use. They measure markers like creatinine and eGFR, which help us understand how well your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
A common misunderstanding is that symptoms will appear early—but in reality, many patients only notice problems when kidney function has already declined significantly.
This is why I often recommend routine screening, especially for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
The good news is that early changes are detectable and manageable. With timely diagnosis, we can slow progression and protect kidney health effectively.
If you’ve never had a kidney function test before, or if it’s been a while since your last check, it may be worth discussing with your doctor.
Early detection is always better than late treatment.
Dr Balavendrian Anthony
Physician | Palliative Care
Evercare Medical Care Centre, Penang, Malaysia.