I have diabetes, and I recently found that my urine protein level is over 200. I would like to know how to manage this.
Disease description:
I am a 56-year-old male who has had diabetes for 10 years. Recently, during a physical examination, my urine protein level was found to be over 200, which has caused me great concern about whether my kidneys have already been damaged. What should be done when urine protein levels increase in patients with diabetes?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
Increased urinary protein in patients with diabetes may indicate the presence of diabetic nephropathy. When the urinary protein level exceeds 150 mg/day, it can be diagnosed as overt proteinuria. In addition, elevated urinary protein levels may also be related to infections, drug side effects, other underlying diseases, and physiological factors.
It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital and complete relevant examinations, such as renal function tests, routine urinalysis, and 24-hour urinary protein quantification. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as insulin and metformin hydrochloride may be used to control blood glucose, along with ACE inhibitors or ARB medications to lower blood pressure and reduce urinary protein.
Dietary management should follow principles of low salt, low fat, low sugar, and low protein intake. Avoid excessive protein consumption, especially plant proteins, and moderately choose high-quality animal proteins such as fish and lean meats. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples and tomatoes, to supplement vitamins.
