If a urinalysis shows that you have an abnormal amount of protein in your urine, this can spell a lot of trouble.
You can have a very serious condition that can kill you if not managed: diabetes.
Though excess protein in the urine (proteinuria) may be visible to the naked eye in the form of what appears to be foam in your urine, you can have perfectly normal urine that still has a suspiciously high amount of protein.
An abnormally high amount of protein in the urine is “usually secondary to an underlying kidney disease,” says Michael D. Lutz, MD, board certified urologist with Corewell Health/Beaumont Hospital; President, MIU Men’s Health Foundation.
Dr. Lutz adds, “This is one of the earliest effects of diabetes upon the kidneys.”
Diabetes, says Dr. Lutz, can also cause “spillage of excess sugar in urine which may give it a ‘sweet’ odor.”
Significant quantities of protein in your urine can also cause you to “develop secondary effects like swelling of the legs or around the eyes,” says Dr. Lutz.
Dehydration may cause the protein level to be elevated, so before having a urinalysis, make sure you are plenty hydrated.
Other Causes of Kidney Damage
Damaged kidneys can leak protein into the urine – and not just via diabetes.
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Side effects of medications
Dr. Lutz is experienced in all areas of adult urology and has special interests in urological cancer, male fertility and urologic stone disease. Men’s Health Foundation
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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