Diabetic. Has Hypothyroidism And Osteoarthritis. Kidney Problem?

Posted on Tue, 14 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 May 2013 Answered on

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
My mom is diabetic. Has Hypothyroidism and having tablets for them. She has osteoarthritis on hip and signs of it on knee and ankle. (From urine test) Her urea is 36.2 mg/dl, creatinine is 0.7 mg/dl and uric acid is 4.9 mg/dl. Is she having any kidney ailment or developing to have one?

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (30 minutes later)

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
Her kidney function tests as shown in urea and creatinine are normal at present.
She needs to check these tests on a regular basis to monitor kidney function.
She also needs urine albumin or micro-albumin tests during the above tests to keep a check on kidney function as diabetic nephropathy is a potential complication of diabetes.
Hope this helps.
Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. G.Srinivasan (1 hour later)

In the urinalysis, it came out as traces of protein and endemetrial cells were numerous. Is it a concern? Other renal expert told she is at the early stages of nephropathy.

Also, as you may see in attached report, her CRP is 8.2. What impact it will have on her, as I mentioned the diagnosis made on her.

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (11 hours later)

Hi,
Welcome back.
Traces of protein means either nephropathy.
This can be concluded by GFR estimation and microalbumin measurements.
CRP is a marker- positive in many conditions and hence need to be interpreted in the light of clinical condition.
Please followup with the renal expert and follow his advice on regular measurements of GFR and microalbumin.
Best regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar