What is eGFR?

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) is a key indicator of kidney function. It measures how well the kidneys are filtering blood and removing waste products like creatinine. A low eGFR can signal kidney dysfunction or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Understanding eGFR levels and their relationship with other biomarkers is crucial for assessing kidney health and overall well-being.

Key Biomarkers: Fasting Glucose, Average Blood Sugars, Inflammation & Visceral Fat

Monitoring key biomarkers such as fasting glucose, average blood sugars, inflammation, and visceral fat alongside eGFR provides a comprehensive assessment of metabolic health and potential risk factors for kidney-related disorders. Fasting glucose and average blood sugars reflect blood sugar control, inflammation indicates the body's response to injury or infection, and visceral fat measurement reflects metabolic health and potential risk factors for chronic conditions.

Factors Contributing to Low eGFR Levels

Several factors can contribute to low eGFR levels:

• Kidney Dysfunction: Reduced kidney function directly lowers eGFR, indicating potential kidney disease or damage.
• Age: eGFR naturally declines with age, making regular monitoring important for older adults.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, reducing eGFR.
• Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can lead to diabetic nephropathy, affecting kidney function and lowering eGFR.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as heart disease and obesity can impact kidney health and reduce eGFR.

eGFR and Related Conditions

Understanding the relationship between eGFR and related health conditions is crucial for effective management:

• Low eGFR and High Creatinine: Low eGFR often accompanies high creatinine levels, indicating impaired kidney function. Regular monitoring helps detect and manage kidney issues early.
• Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to kidney damage and lower eGFR. Monitoring inflammation levels helps in managing overall kidney health.
• Blood Sugar Control: Fasting glucose and average blood sugars are vital for individuals with diabetes, as high levels can lead to kidney damage and reduced eGFR.

Managing eGFR Levels

Managing eGFR levels involves:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Regular exercise, a balanced diet low in sodium and protein, and maintaining a healthy weight help support kidney health.
• Hydration: Adequate water intake supports kidney function and overall health.
• Medical Management: Controlling blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and managing chronic conditions under medical supervision is crucial for maintaining eGFR.
• Regular Monitoring: Routine testing of eGFR and related biomarkers helps detect kidney dysfunction early and guide appropriate interventions.

eGFR Blood Test and Kidney Health

An eGFR blood test is a vital tool for assessing kidney health. Regular eGFR testing helps detect kidney dysfunction early and manage chronic kidney disease effectively. Explore Choose Health's at-home testing options to conveniently monitor your eGFR and other key health markers.

The Effects of suboptimal eGFR?

Generally, the higher your eGFR number the greater kidney function you have. Optimal or healthy eGFR values vary depending primarily on age and gender, as the rate naturally declines as someone ages and loses muscle mass. An optimal eGFR for someone in their 20s is approx. 116ml/min and drops to about 80 ml/min to people in their 50s/60s. An eGFR higher than 50 means you have at least 50% kidney function. To conclude, the lower your eGFR the less kidney function you have and the more at risk you are of kidney disease and failure. (Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Kidney Failure.)

Why It’s Important to Monitor eGFR Levels

Monitoring eGFR levels is crucial for assessing kidney function and overall health. Low eGFR can indicate kidney dysfunction or chronic kidney disease, requiring prompt attention and management. Regular monitoring and understanding of eGFR levels, along with key biomarkers, allow for early detection of potential problems and personalized treatment strategies, ensuring optimal health outcomes.