Hello. I am new to this board but have been a type 1 diabetic for 21 years now. Up until now,I have not had any complications. I have been very active,even running three marathons. Just a couple of months ago, I was running 40+ miles a week. Now suddenly,over the last few months I have been extremely tired, my back aches, I have had some swelling in my ankles, abdomen, and face...

These symptoms lead me to believe that perhaps my kidneys are starting to fail. However, I just got my lab results back and creatine and BUN are normal. But my specific gravity-urine is high and cholesterol is elevated. The nurse (I see my doc on Monday) mentioned that high specific gravity could be caused by blood/protein in the urine. Also...I have been taking diuretics for the water retention...does anyone know if they have any effect on these tests?

Like I said I go to the doctor on Monday. But I am worried and looking for any insight!

Sherry

are you spilling microabumin? back pain is not a sign of kidney problems caused by diabetes, that may be more a sign of infection. The first sign of kidney problems caused by diabetes is small amounts of protein, that's the first thing they check for in diabetics, if that is normal, I wouldn't worry.

To make sure, you should request a 24 hour urine test. I just finished 2 of them, because the first was a lab error

Shejoh,

I would not be so quick to say that this is not a Kidney problem caused by diabetes. It very possibly is, but it does not mean your Kidney's are failing.

I am a T2 diabetic and have was just diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome (NS). But I have had protienuria for several years even before the diabetes. My nephrologist tells me that even though I am spilling 4 grams of protein in my urine, my kidney function is fine (the creatinine clearance and the creatinine/bun ratio are normal).

The symptoms you describe are typical for severe protienuria or NS. The edema in your legs and swelling in your abdomen and face could be the result of your body trying to compensate for the decreased fluids in your blood. The kidney is spilling protein and as a result also retaining fluid because it thinks it needs to.

Have you done a 24 hour urine? This will probably be the next step. If you are spilling over 2 grams of protein they will need to do further testing, as that classifies as NS. If not, they will probably put you on meds to reduce the swelling (typically an ACE inhibitor).

I strongly recommend that you see a Nephrologist - I would not trust my kidneys to a GP. Ask for a referral if you need to. If you are seeing and Endo, he will likely refer you anyway.

I just saw my Nephro for the first time this week. They are repeating tests to see if my NS is temporary or if it perists. If it persists I will need a kidney biopsy so they can identify the cause of the NS. The Nephro also told me that this is common with diabetics and can manifest in many different degrees of severity. He didn't seem to think mine was severe, based on the kidney function test.

So if your kidney function tests are good, don't worry. They will still need to identify the cause, but can provide treatment. I hope this info helps you. I am somwhat new at this kidney stuff, but I am learning a lot - I like to be well-informed :)

I forgot to mention, the diuretics are often used to treat proteinuria. If you have been taking OTC meds, you really need to let your Nephro know, because your labs could be skewed. If you are taking a perscription, let them know also, because the fact thatyou are still experiencing swelling means you likely need modifications to your meds or different meds altogether.