I was diagnosed with T2 a fortnight ago today. The nurse suggested I join this group, which I did, and thanks to you guys I've learnt loads about the condition. I immediately started a low carb diet & have already lost 10lb so have been feeling pretty pleased with myself. My BP has been coming down as well. I know it's still to high but it's vastly improved from 2 weeks ago. I had to take a urine sample in on Friday ahead of another appointment with the nurse this morning & this has flagged up some protein traces. Now I've got myself in a complete stew imagining a future of dialysis. She said not to overthink it & it may just be an infection but all this is so terrifying. I told the nurse that I'd prefer to try getting the diabetes under control with a low carb diet rather than taking meds & she accepted this. However, she did say that if a repeat urine test still showed protein traces I'd have to take medication to get my BP under control or I'm heading for a heart attack or stroke. I lost my husband in June so feel rather overwhelmed with all this. Has anyone else had issues with protein in their urine & is it likely to sort itself out if I continue to lose weight? I know I'm only 2 weeks into this & Rome wasn't built in a day but any advice would be appreciated x
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Feeling Completely Overwhelmed
- Thread starter Kerbil
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Windy
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 2
Hi @Kerbil welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear that you're struggling. I know it's all a bit overwhelming, but we can try and break it down into managable chunks and see how we can tackle each bit.
Blood pressure: I also have high blood pressure - mine was 200/110 in October, and I started on ramipril to bring that down. It was 129/73 this morning. I know you don't want to take pills, but you can take them for a bit, let them reduce your blood pressure, and at the same time, see if you can get it down with exercise and diet. If you can get your blood pressure down, it reduces your risk of heart attacks and strokes, and you'll feel much better too. Exercising is easier now my heart's not thundering at a fast rate. I'm hoping to reduce the dose as I lose weight.
Protein traces: I know this is a worry, but the nurse said it may be linked to your blood pressure. When you go back for the second test, ask the nurse what advice he/she has to address it. It sounds like it's medication they're suggesting.
Diet and weight loss: you're doing great here. Losing weight will help you manage your blood sugar levels as will eating a lower carb diet. Weight loss is a marathon, rather than a sprint. I have to lose 4 stone, you can do it. Slow and steady.
If you're struggling with worrying about everything, can you get a phone appointment with your GP or one of the practice nurses? Make a list of questions that you want answering. Tell them that you're worried and would like to talk to someone about it too. Say you're worried about the protein in your urine that was detected, and what does that mean in terms of your health.
I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I appreciate it's probably still quite raw and having health issues is adding to your stress levels.
Best wishes, Sarah
Blood pressure: I also have high blood pressure - mine was 200/110 in October, and I started on ramipril to bring that down. It was 129/73 this morning. I know you don't want to take pills, but you can take them for a bit, let them reduce your blood pressure, and at the same time, see if you can get it down with exercise and diet. If you can get your blood pressure down, it reduces your risk of heart attacks and strokes, and you'll feel much better too. Exercising is easier now my heart's not thundering at a fast rate. I'm hoping to reduce the dose as I lose weight.
Protein traces: I know this is a worry, but the nurse said it may be linked to your blood pressure. When you go back for the second test, ask the nurse what advice he/she has to address it. It sounds like it's medication they're suggesting.
Diet and weight loss: you're doing great here. Losing weight will help you manage your blood sugar levels as will eating a lower carb diet. Weight loss is a marathon, rather than a sprint. I have to lose 4 stone, you can do it. Slow and steady.
If you're struggling with worrying about everything, can you get a phone appointment with your GP or one of the practice nurses? Make a list of questions that you want answering. Tell them that you're worried and would like to talk to someone about it too. Say you're worried about the protein in your urine that was detected, and what does that mean in terms of your health.
I'm sorry to hear about your husband. I appreciate it's probably still quite raw and having health issues is adding to your stress levels.
Best wishes, Sarah
trophywench
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
Your nurse sounds like a proper little ray of sunshine bringing such hope and joy into your life ...... NOT!
I've frequently had protein in wee samples over the years, though nobody has asked me to produce one or tested it for anything in recent years. However one of the 'usual' annual blood tests that is done (from the ubiquitous 'armful' of blood) is a kidney function test, shown as an 'eGFR' test - and they have always been perfectly OK. There are also other tests they'd need to carry out before they'd actually diagnose and tell you that you have a real prob with your waterworks - so until you get to that stage please try not to blow it up out of proportion apart from being aware 'it's a possibility' - and making sure you always try to keep well hydrated.
I've frequently had protein in wee samples over the years, though nobody has asked me to produce one or tested it for anything in recent years. However one of the 'usual' annual blood tests that is done (from the ubiquitous 'armful' of blood) is a kidney function test, shown as an 'eGFR' test - and they have always been perfectly OK. There are also other tests they'd need to carry out before they'd actually diagnose and tell you that you have a real prob with your waterworks - so until you get to that stage please try not to blow it up out of proportion apart from being aware 'it's a possibility' - and making sure you always try to keep well hydrated.
Hi, @Kerbil I would just like to add to the above good advice, that eating Low Carb reduces weight (because its mainly carbs that make us fat - not fat) and so your Blood Pressure will naturally reduce as your weight does.
In fact Dr David Unwin (one of the most prominent low carb GP's in the UK) was temporarily feeling faint when getting up from his desk to greet patients before he realised that Low Carb had reduced his need for Blood Pressure medication!
And yes, I too have had occasional urine tests showing protein, but my kidney function on all my blood tests has been OK, so don't worry unless blood tests start to confirm it.
In fact Dr David Unwin (one of the most prominent low carb GP's in the UK) was temporarily feeling faint when getting up from his desk to greet patients before he realised that Low Carb had reduced his need for Blood Pressure medication!
And yes, I too have had occasional urine tests showing protein, but my kidney function on all my blood tests has been OK, so don't worry unless blood tests start to confirm it.
Bloden
Well-Known Member
- Relationship to Diabetes
- Type 1
(((Hugs))) @Kerbil. It sounds like you’ve had a rough old time lately. Congratulations on your determination and on losing 10 lbs. I hope the protein issue is nothing, as @trophywench explains, and that it’s just your nurse blowing things up unnecessarily.
Thank you all for your kindness & support, I think my mind spiraled out of control yesterday & I got myself into a bit of a state. Your responses have made me feel a lot better & considerably more positive. I'm determined to get on top of this condition & feel helped by the wonderful community spirit I've found in this group x
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