What Are the Protein Levels in the Kidney?

Albumin, the body's primary protein in blood, can show up as protein levels leaking from the kidneys. Although outward symptoms sometimes materialize, accurate verification and detection of protein levels in urine occurs through laboratory tests.

Role of Protein

• With normal kidney function, albumin and other proteins cannot travel through kidney filters and remain in the body and blood. Proteins help regulate many important body functions such as blood clotting and maintaining fluid balance. In addition, protein continually builds body parts such as muscles, bone, hair, skin and nails.

Proteinuria

• Protein levels detected in urine through laboratory tests may signal a condition called proteinuria, which often indicates chronic kidney disease. CKD can occur in people with any disease that causes kidney inflammation, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of proteinuria and CKD include weight loss, fatigue and foamy urine. The protein loss through urine may severely limit the blood's ability to retain fluid and swelling called edema can occur in the extremities as well as the face and abdomen.

Treatment

• Kidney disease cannot be reversed, but maintaining healthy blood glucose and blood pressure levels as well as a healthy, low-sodium diet can slow its progression significantly. Some people with CKD also need medication.

Who Is At Risk?

• Besides people diagnosed with diabetes and heart conditions, others at risk include the obese, those with a history of kidney disease in the family, African Americans, Hispanics, American Indians and Pacific Islanders.