Question:
Why is protein in urine and one cup of urine in 24 hours?

I have been a diabetic for years, and on an insulin pump. I am finally off the pump and medicines after only 5 weeks post-op. They did a pre-albumin strip test, and said I would have to go further with a 24 hr. urine collection. When I collected the urine, I only got maybe one cup. It was very consentrated and they drew blood as normal for the test. They were not happy with the output, and told me not to worry until the test came back in one week. I am worried that it could be my kidneys going bad. Has anyone ever had this happen? They did test the urine to make sure I wasn't dehydrated or had an infection. Please help if you know anything. Veronda    — vrshoemaker (posted on November 13, 2008)

November 13, 2008
Low urine output in a concern. What you have to consider is output vs intake. You dont need a 24h uine to check for dehydration. A simple bloodtest would tell your md your kidney functions and level of dehydration.. Also feeling fatigued, dry mouth and low uine output can tell you.
   — urbrat2

November 13, 2008
I am quite concerned myself for you. You already are a diabetic; I am too. They have caused two major traumas; one is you are off your insulin pump and have just had major surgery. Sounds like your kidneys are reacting to the absense of your insulin pump, new meds and the surgery. Try drinking more water and eating yogurt and fresh fruit and cheeses for snacks if you are able to eat. If not clear soup, broths, whatever juices are tolerated. Not soda or coffee or tea; the cafeine and carbonation are both bad for you; surgery or not. Also the blood tests will tell them if your surgery is healing properly. I would love to help you as much as I can. And you didn't say are you type 1 or type 2 diabetic? They may also be checking to see if there is an underlying cause;condition for the elevated protein. Don't worry. I will pray for you. If you choose you can communicate more with me at [email protected]. vinnigirl, rn
   — vinnigirl

November 14, 2008
i don't want to scare you, but i am a nurse on a diabetic/renal unit and it sounds like your doctors are very concerned with some form of possible kidney failure. kidney disease is very common in diabetic pt's and is staged in various levels from simple dehydration to end-stage kidney disease. when your sugars run high it slowly damages certain organs and arteries over time and the kidneys are very commonly affected. this kidney problem could be your body's reaction to the surgery and may resolve itself over time, but please take this very serious and continue to followup with your doctors as ordered, because it could be something very serious as well. the 24 hr urine collection is a great test and will give them lots of info. they are looking for. are you seeing a nephrologist (kidney specialist)? if not, ask your doctor to refer you to one. good luck and keep us posted on your progress, Holly
   — RNlvnCARSON

November 15, 2008
I too am a nurse and agree with the last author that there is cause for concern. Low urine output in a diabetic patient is not a good thing. One cup in 24 hours is very little. Please contact your doctor asap and try to get the results. I am thrilled to see that you are off your pump, and with that I'm assuming your blood glucose levels are down and close to normal. Are you drinking enough fluids- especially water during the day? If you are drinking 64 oz of water per day and only outputting 8 oz of urine, something is going on with your kidneys. I'm sending happy thoughts and prayers your way. Best of luck, Dawn Vickers
   — DawnVic