What Is the Meaning of Increased Creatine Levels?

Creatinine is one of the many waste products that the kidneys filter out and excrete in the urine. It is a chemical that is produced from creatine, a molecule of major importance for energy production in muscles.

Definition

• Your muscles produce creatinine. This chemical is also produced when you eat meat. It is a byproduct of muscle metabolism.

Levels

• According the Mayo Clinic, the normal range for creatinine in the blood is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL, depending on age, sex and the particular lab performing the test.

Kidneys

• High levels of creatinine are an indication of decreased kidney function. Measuring creatinine is one of standard tests to determine your kidney function.

Causes

• High blood pressure and diabetes are two common diseases that adversely affect kidney function.

Symptoms

• You might not experience any symptoms of high creatinine levels. However, because the levels reflect the condition of the kidneys, it is possible for you to experience symptoms related to kidney disease.