Kidney health is not always something you can judge by how you feel. Early chronic kidney disease may have no obvious symptoms, which makes a conversation about your personal risk useful. Healthdirect — Chronic kidney disease.
You do not need to work through a long checklist on your own. Choose the questions that fit your situation and bring them to your GP.
Ten questions to start with
- Do my medical or family history put me at higher risk?
- Should I have a kidney health check?
- What would a blood test and urine test tell us?
- How does my blood pressure fit into the picture?
- If I have diabetes, how should my care be coordinated?
- Could any of my medicines affect my kidneys?
- Who should check my herbs and supplements?
- Would advice from a dietitian be useful?
- What movement and food changes are appropriate for me?
- When should we review things again?
Diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney disease are among the reasons a doctor may recommend regular checks. Assessment can include blood pressure, blood tests and urine tests. Your doctor can explain the purpose and timing of each. Healthdirect — Chronic kidney disease.
Bring the whole medicine list
Include prescribed medicines, over-the-counter pain relief, vitamins and herbal products. Some medicines can affect kidney function, so their use should be reviewed with your doctor or pharmacist. Healthdirect — Chronic kidney disease.
If you already have kidney disease, ask your care team for individual food and drink guidance. A general wellness article cannot set the right fluid or protein intake for your situation. Healthdirect — Chronic kidney disease.
For general meal-planning ideas, our everyday routines article offers a starting point. Follow any individual advice from your kidney team when choosing recipes.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify appointment descriptions only.
- Healthdirect — Chronic kidney disease — Australian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
