Urine tests for protein levels
Protein normally is not found in urine. When the kidneys are damaged by diabetes, small amounts of protein begin to leak into the urine. If blood sugar levels stay high and early kidney damage is left untreated, larger amounts of protein may be lost, possibly leading to kidney failure.
Urine tests for protein levels in people with diabetes check for amounts of albumin (protein). A urine test for protein can be done on a sample of urine collected randomly (usually the first time you urinate in the morning), a sample collected over 24 hours, or a sample collected over a specific period, such as 4 hours or overnight.
No preparation is needed for this test, but results can be affected by factors such as high blood sugar levels, recent exercise, urinary tract infections, high blood pressure, heart failure, or a high fever during an infection.
Abnormal results differ slightly among the three different types of urine samples.1
Abnormal urine test results Results 24-hour urine sample Timed urine sample Random urine sample Milligrams of protein per 24 hours Micrograms of protein per minute Micrograms of protein per milligram of creatinine Normal
Less than 30
Less than 20
Less than 30
Tiny amounts of protein (microalbuminuria)
30–299
20–199
30–299
High protein (macroalbuminuria)
300 or more
200 or more
300 or more
Because the amount of protein lost through urine varies, 2 of 3 urine samples within a 3- to 6-month period need to show abnormal results for a diagnosis of diabetic kidney disease (nephropathy).
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS | Last Updated: August 25, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Stephen LaFranchi, MD - Pediatrics and Pediatric Endocrinology | |
 | ||
| |