Diabetes: Urine Tests for Protein - Topic Overview
Protein normally is not found in urine. When the kidneys are damaged by diabetes, small amounts of protein begin to leak into the urine. If blood sugar levels stay high and early kidney damage is left untreated, larger amounts of protein may be lost, possibly leading to kidney failure.
Urine tests for protein levels in people with diabetes check for amounts of albumin (protein). A urine test for protein can be done on a sample of urine collected randomly (usually the first time you urinate in the morning), a sample collected over 24 hours, or a sample collected over a specific period, such as 4 hours or overnight.
No preparation is needed for this test, but results can be affected by factors such as high blood sugar levels, recent exercise, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, heart failure, or a high fever during an infection.
Abnormal results differ slightly among the three different types of urine samples.1
| Results | 24-hour urine sample | Timed urine sample | Random urine sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| � | Milligrams of protein per 24 hours | Micrograms of protein per minute | Micrograms of protein per milligram of creatinine |
|
Normal |
Less than 30 |
Less than 20 |
Less than 30 |
|
Tiny amounts of protein (microalbuminuria) |
30-299 |
20-199 |
30-299 |
|
High protein (macroalbuminuria) |
300 or more |
200 or more |
300 or more |
Because the amount of protein lost through urine varies, 2 of 3 urine samples within a 3- to 6-month period need to show abnormal results for a diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy).
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Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
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