Diabetes T2, Kidney Test, Low Carb

[Paul_]

Hi all. It's been a rollercoaster of a few weeks! Diagnosed with T2 diabetes 4 weeks ago, started a low carb diet and had some good progress on blood glucose levels, blood pressure and weight loss.

A home test kit arrived today for a urine test to check protein. It's the one where you dip the provided strip, then scan it with the Minuteful app. My albumen result was apparently "abnormal", which seems to indicate the result was between 3 and 30. The app told me "not to worry, you don't need to do anything for now", which is the same as I was told when my BG readings were between 15 and 17 originally - so naturally it's just made me worry!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the last 4 weeks. It's been a lot of test results and a lot of change. Does anyone have any general advice on this initial albumin urine test? Is it anything to worry about? Am I ok to carry on with low carb (have no idea what I'll do if not), where I get about 30% of cals from protein per day, or is it advised not to do low carb in this situation?

Not asking for any diagnosis, I know it's too early. Any reply posts will be considered as personal opinion, not a medical advice. Just looking for some reassurance that my whole plan of action isn't going to fall apart here.

 

[ianf0ster]

Sorry @Paul, but I have no idea how accurate urine test strips are for Kidney functions.
But be encouraged that Dr David Unwin tests his T2 Low Carb patients for kidney function and finds that their kidney function tends to improve (or not get worse) when doing Low Carb. Since it is normal for kidney function to deteriorate over time this is equivalent to improving eve if there is no change!

 

[Paul_]

Sorry @Paul, but I have no idea how accurate urine test strips are for Kidney functions.
But be encouraged that Dr David Unwin tests his T2 Low Carb patients for kidney function and finds that their kidney function tends to improve (or not get worse) when doing Low Carb. Since it is normal for kidney function to deteriorate over time this is equivalent to improving eve if there is no change!

Thanks Ian. From what I've read, urine albumen levels can be affected by anything from dehydration, to exercise, to full blown kidney disease, so it seems like a pretty big ball park. My previous blood tests showed kidney function related results in normal range, so I'm trying not to panic. Just feels like hit after hit recently though when it comes to tests and being told not to worry - someone really needs to inform the NHS that saying that only makes people worry more!

 

[Rachox]

@Paul_ this won’t help with your current question, but as you appear to be interested in the fine detail of your health (I am too!), it might be a good idea to request on line access to your results via your GP surgery. I can see stuff from years ago, even the vaccinations I had as a baby!

 

[Paul_]

@Paul_ this won’t help with your current question, but as you appear to be interested in the fine detail of your health (I am too!), it might be a good idea to request on line access to your results via your GP surgery. I can see stuff from years ago, even the vaccinations I had as a baby!

I've got the NHS app setup and have access to my GP record, plus all test results - it's how I found out I was odds on for having a fatty liver, when I questioned a test result that the nurse failed to mention. However, this test was sent by a 3rd party, who work in partnership with the NHS. The high level result is shown in the 3rd party app and also sent to my GP, but no entry has been added to my GP record as yet. I'm either being too impatient (highly likely), or I'm being unreasonable and expecting too much from what should be an automated system (I'm not usually unreasonable, but if anyone asks my wife and she says I am, she's lying or drunk haha).

 

[Oldvatr]

If you are low carbing, and using protein to make up the energy deficit, then yes, your albumin count may well increase. Have a look at LCHF where the adjustable macro is fat, not protein, You should only increase protein when you are muscle building and exercising to benefit, otherwise you excrete the excess. The recommended level for protein is 1 gram per 1 kg lean body weight (i.e as measured on the gym scales that electrocute you as they weigh you to find lean body mass not fatty mess.

 

[Paul_]

If you are low carbing, and using protein to make up the energy deficit, then yes, your albumin count may well increase. Have a look at LCHF where the adjustable macro is fat, not protein, You should only increase protein when you are muscle building and exercising to benefit, otherwise you excrete the excess. The recommended level for protein is 1 gram per 1 kg lean body weight (i.e as measured on the gym scales that electrocute you as they weigh you to find lean body mass not fatty mess.

Thanks. I've got smart scales, so I've taken the lean mass weight figure from that and rejigged my macros. Wasn't massively off with what I'm actually consuming as opposed to protein target set, but every little helps I'm guessing.