In April 2008, the Department of Health announced a strategy to reduce the adverse effects of vascular disease by focusing on its earlier detection.¹ By introducing 'vascular checks' targeting those aged between 40 and 75 years of age, it is estimated that at least 25,000 people a year with diabetes or kidney disease will be diagnosed earlier. With increasing evidence that early treatment of kidney disease can slow, if not prevent, progression to established renal failure, early detection is of clear benefit from a purely renal perspective.