Why does creatinine increase in kidney dysfunction?

Jun 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the causes of elevated creatinine levels due to kidney insufficiency include decreased kidney filtration capacity, impaired glomerular filtration function, kidney disease effects, bodily dehydration, and accumulation of metabolic waste products. If necessary, timely medical attention is recommended. Kidney insufficiency means the kidneys' filtration capacity is compromised, making them unable to effectively remove creatinine from the bloodstream.

Generally, the causes of elevated creatinine levels due to renal insufficiency include decreased kidney filtration capacity, impaired glomerular filtration function, effects of kidney diseases, bodily dehydration, and accumulation of metabolic waste. If necessary, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Decreased Kidney Filtration Capacity

Renal insufficiency indicates impaired filtration capacity of the kidneys, preventing effective removal of creatinine from the bloodstream. Creatinine is a waste product generated from muscle metabolism. Under normal conditions, it is excreted through the kidneys. When filtration function is compromised, creatinine concentration in the blood increases.

2. Impaired Glomerular Filtration Function

The glomeruli are essential components of the kidneys responsible for blood filtration. In renal insufficiency, the glomerular filtration function is impaired, leading to reduced efficiency in creatinine clearance and consequently elevated creatinine levels in the blood.

3. Impact of Kidney Diseases

Renal insufficiency is usually caused by kidney diseases, such as chronic glomerulonephritis and diabetic nephropathy. These diseases damage kidney function, reducing the kidneys' ability to excrete creatinine, thereby causing elevated creatinine levels.

4. Bodily Dehydration

Patients with renal insufficiency may experience dehydration due to conditions such as fever, excessive sweating, or reduced water intake. A decrease in body fluids leads to blood concentration and reduced renal blood flow, further affecting creatinine excretion and increasing creatinine levels.

5. Accumulation of Metabolic Waste

With renal insufficiency, the kidneys are unable to promptly excrete metabolic waste products, including creatinine, from the body. The accumulation of these substances leads to continuously elevated creatinine concentrations in the blood.

In daily life, intake of proteins should be controlled, with preference given to high-quality proteins such as lean meats, fish, and eggs. Additionally, consumption of high-salt and high-fat foods should be reduced.

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