New member. Should I be concerned?

[Thevano]

Hi all,

I’m Thevano. 55 year old male w/ T2 diabetes well controlled with diet and oral medication.

Yearly urine tests showed elevated protein levels but blood work was fine. This continued a few years and kept increasing.

I completed a 24hr urine study on 6/28/22

Results were 86.9mg/dl. Protein, varied time 24 hours 1,738mg/total output.

An appointment was made for November. My primary called and requested next available due to the test results.

Now. I’m concerned. What am I looking at here? Are these numbers really bad? The range for total output is 0-150mg, my results were over 10x the range!

Any info, good or bad, suggestions, or a sense of what to expect?

Thank you all.

Thevano

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

What is your eGFR level? That should tell you where you are kidney wise.

[Thevano in reply to orangecity41]

Edited.

79 in April of 22

Thank you for replying.

[Tolmezzo]

Hello, sure its 1,738mg over 24h or its gr/24h?

[Thevano in reply to Tolmezzo]

1738 over 24 hours.

[Tolmezzo in reply to Thevano]

1738mg/24 or 1,738gr/24 it's something you need to talk with your Family Doctor. Even if all other blood values are ok. Sometime proteinuria is early warning of kidney problems. Don't panic don't be too much concerned but don't give up. Maybe it's nothing maybe next exams set will be ok but you must keep an eye on it and go in deep.

[RoxanneKidney]

The protein is a marker for kidney function decline. You need to get it under control. You would likely qualify for the SGLT 2 inhibitors and you need some Lisinopril too. Two drugs to stop the protein from further damaging your kidneys.

[Thevano in reply to RoxanneKidney]

Thank you for the info.

[Darlenia]

The underlying cause for your kidney damage is likely your T2D, and is often referred to as Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD). High glucose levels stiffens and then shuts down tiny blood vessels everywhere - eyes, feet, kidneys, heart, etc. If there isn't sufficient kidney function remaining, your labs will reflect that - creatinine, BUN, etc. So take a look at your labs based on bloodwork and see if there are indications there that confirms your urine study.

It takes a decade or two for diabetes to really show its hand. Once organs are damaged, the situation can't be reversed but you can stop it from advancing. The most effective treatment is to put diabetes in its place - drop the weight, take carbs and sugars out of the diet, and implement exercise. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD. Ironically, most diabetics also have high blood pressure since diabetes targets the vascular system. My hubby chose to "control" his diabetes through medications (including insulin) and so on. My hubby eventually lost his kidneys, went on dialysis, and now has a transplant. His mom chose not to go that route and immediately changed her lifestyle and lived well into her 80s without needing treatment. Sadly, diabetes is so common today that people simply accept it without realizing outcomes. Doctors should be candid and direct. A bright spot in your health in your eGFR. That is good! You very likely have time and runway to address it now and be able to lead a wonderful life. Sending you all the encouragement in the world for your success.

[BabyTee]

I agree with Darlenia. Do your best to control your blood sugar levels. If you can get your A1c at or below 6.5, you should not have further diabetes related kidney damage, and it is possible it may recover, at least partially. High blood pressure is another item that it is unclear if you have, but high blood pressure is as damaging to your organs and nerves as high blood sugar. I have no experience with this, because I have always had low blood pressure and had to take blood pressure raising meds during dialysis.

[Thevano in reply to BabyTee]

Thanks for your info. A1C have been 6.6-6.9. Last few times around. High blood pressure is controlled by oral meds and lifestyle. Also under control.