Octavia Spencer Advocated for Early Kidney Screening
The actor shared her management of type 2 diabetes and hypertension to highlight the importance of the uACR test.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Diabetes
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Octavia Spencer, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hypertension, is raising awareness for the Detect the SOS campaign. She encourages others to discuss the uACR test with their physicians to help detect early signs of kidney damage.
Why it matters
High blood sugar and hypertension can cause persistent kidney damage that may lead to organ failure. Proactive screening allows for earlier detection and intervention in the estimated 36 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes.
The Detect the SOS campaign promotes the use of the uACR test, a diagnostic tool that screens for albumin in urine. While the test identifies early kidney damage, clinical data on how many at-risk individuals complete the screening annually remains under investigation.
The players
Octavia Spencer
An actor who manages type 2 diabetes and hypertension while advocating for early kidney disease screening.
Sofía Vergara
An actor who participated in the Detect the SOS campaign to raise awareness for kidney health.
The details
The uACR test specifically measures the presence of albumin, a protein that should not appear in high quantities in the urine. When blood sugar and blood pressure remain elevated, the kidneys filtering units can become stressed, causing protein to leak into the urine as an early indicator of damage. Managing these conditions involves daily blood sugar and pressure monitoring, dietary changes, and regular physical activity like walking after meals to stabilize glucose levels.
Timeline
1995: Spencer appeared in the movie A Time to Kill.
2025: Spencer requested the uACR test from her doctor.
February 2026: Spencer starred in a Super Bowl advertisement for the Detect the SOS campaign.
Health Landscape
The Detect the SOS campaign emphasizes the importance of early kidney screening, following a broader trend of celebrity-led health awareness initiatives. This effort highlights the critical need for routine diagnostic testing in the long-term management of chronic metabolic conditions.
If you are living with type 2 diabetes or hypertension, it is worth discussing the uACR test with your doctor to screen for kidney damage. Maintaining daily monitoring of blood sugar and blood pressure is a foundational habit for protecting long-term organ function.
The takeaway
Early detection of kidney damage through routine testing is a critical component of managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes. Speak with your physician about whether the uACR test should be part of your regular health screening schedule.
Further reading
Learn more about managing your kidney health in our Diabetes section.
More information
Find additional resources on the Detect the SOS campaign information.
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