Microalbumin test results back :(

[silvershewolf]

I recently recieved some bad news about my microalbumin test results and the doctor had said I'm at a 44 when I should be at a 0 - 20. They put me on some meds for my kidneys to prevent kidney failure and I'm only 23... Anyway I'm not sure what a 44 means and I'm wondering if anyone has more information on the microalbumin test results - I tried looking at information the web but it's hard to understand...lol. Thank You!
- Allison

[blue eyes]

I'm sorry you have microalbuminuri.
I've had the test twice and both times there was microalbuminuria, the last one was somewhere around 30, unlikely diabetes related though (I've not had diabetes long enough), so can't really comment there. I do another overnight collection before my next appointment in May.
What my diabetes educator told me about it is that it's early sign of potential kidney disease but early treatment of this can sometimes reverse the kidney disease. A normal health kidney permits only a small amount of albumin which is a protein in the blood to enter the urine. A kidney that has been damaged cannot hold back as much albumin and the level in the urine increases.

I hope the med your on helps.

[silvershewolf]

Thank You Blueyes. I guess this is what I get for putzing with my Diabetes. Thing is, is that I have no numbness anywhere, my eye sight is fine, circulation is good. How can everything jump right to Kidney Failure? Can't be JUST from the Diabetes - maybe it's from drinking a 24 pack of diet soda in two days and no water - I hate water so I don't drink it. Might be because of the pregnancy - I had a rough one with the Diabetes. The doctors are pinning it solely on the diabetes I was just thinking a over last weekend that I thought I was doing good and nothing could possiably go wrong. Darn those strawberry fig newtons :P Good Luck with you're kidneys and thank you again ((((((((((blue eyes))))))))))
- Allison

[jerryn]

Did you work out a lot before you did your urine test? I had my
microalbumin at 32.. I also read on the net that microalbumin readings are higher even on a nondiabetic after a decent workout. I was actually riding a bike down the bike path in Bristol, RI and pusing it.. I was averaging 25mph.. Anyway I told the Dr. what I read on the net and agreed to test again in two weeks. Purposely I was a couch potato the day of and before the test, and micoalbumin was at 2.

In your case it could be due to pregnancy. Don't drink soda.. even diet. It's got phosphoric acid... not healthy for you.
Brew some tea and make ice tea. I drink lots of home brewed Ice tea.

Good luck I hope it clears up for you!

[xMenace]

Welcome Allison,

What kind of A1Cs have you had? I'd definately ask for a re-test if it doesn't make sense to you.

Do you get your eyes checked annually with a dialated exam? Retinopathy has no symptoms until you are in deep.

[RobiJo]

I recently recieved some bad news about my microalbumin test results and the doctor had said I'm at a 44 when I should be at a 0 - 20. They put me on some meds for my kidneys to prevent kidney failure and I'm only 23... Anyway I'm not sure what a 44 means and I'm wondering if anyone has more information on the microalbumin test results - I tried looking at information the web but it's hard to understand...lol. Thank You!
- Allison

My sister was put on meds for the same reason within months of her diagnosis. As long as she takes her pill for it everyday, her microalbumin numbers are fine. For a while she didn't take them like she was supposed to and the number would creep back up. She is 21 now, and has been taking them for almost 8 years. It's better to catch this early and prevent problems than find out after a serious problem exists.

[BrianSCohen]

Allison,

Just to reinforce what Jerryn has said. Don't get stressed over this test. I had microalbumin at an even higher level, and turns out it was that I had worked out the day before. As long as you don't have any side effects from the meds (which are probably ACE blood pressure meds like Lisinopril) they are simply protective.

Have your microalbumin retested at your next few appointments, avoiding exercise for 24-48 hours before your appointment. If you magically repeatedbly measure normal, you are likely fine. Otherwise, you can look into it more.

Even if you have protein it may simply be normal (also called benign proteinuria). My daughter had high protein measurements (well beyond microalbumin) and after consulting a nephrologist (kidney doctor) we found it was normal for her It was a condition called postural proteinuria (when she is standing).

Keep your blood sugar tightly controlled, that is the key thing under your control, and it can stave off kidney problems (and some even argue you can recover from kidney problems).

[Ptricia]

I know these posts were from 2008, but was wondering how everyone is doing with their bloodwork. I just got similar blood work back and I am a little nervous about all this....Let me know how everyone is doing.
Thanks,
Tricia

[jps]

I do think it needs to be reiterated that exercise CAN DEFINITELY increase urine protein, both regular protein and albumin.

[dinycat]

I rely on diet soda. I've never heard that it's bad for you, too. Drat! What can we eat and drink without worry nowadays?

dinycat

[jtausch]

I rely on diet soda. I've never heard that it's bad for you, too. Drat! What can we eat and drink without worry nowadays?

dinycat

Watch out for the dark sodas they have a lot of phosphorus in them in some form or another. my wife has to watch here prosperous intake because of her kidneys so a lot of soda diet or regular can cause problems. The chart we got from the doctor lists soda especially the dark ones has high in prosperous content

[Ptricia]

I usually exercise everyday....a good workout...weights, about 1 hour cardio....
Had my test done the following day and got a high reading. My kidney fucntion results are normal. I am a wreck over this.
My Dr. while i do think he is through, did not recommend a kidney specialist. I am calling him for a referral so i can go to one..

[Subby]

Sorry to hear it Tricia. What do you mean by high reading? I ask, because there seem to be slightly varying stories on what is really bad news and what may well be more of a blip on the radar.

As mentioned before, the issue of exercise is that it can impact on your tests. To my mind, it would seem worth re-doing the test having not exercised for at least 24 hours.

More info on other factors:

Microalbumin test: Results - MayoClinic.com

It also mentions a 24 hour urine test which I think is also a reasonable next step to take. Is your current doctor an endocrinologist?

[Ptricia]

Subby,
No my Dr. is an internist....but i am considering an endo.
My number was 60. Totally freaked out, and still am. I feel like I have just been read a death sentence.
Other than that, i always thought i was pretty healthy.....I had lost weight over the past two years, and feel good.
I was reading what Brian had wrote and he said his was even higher than 44, and the next tests were fine...
This sucks !