WARNING: Creatine Levels Necessary

[canuck]

Thnx coop, maybe 37 is metric numebr,

[Eagle]

Thanks, Coop and Cannuck. That gives new people and us a general idea what creatnine number is normal or way off.

[Chupa Cabras]

Normal creatinine levels should be no more than 1. As it begins to elevate, it shows that protein is being 'spilled' into the urine due to reduced kidney function. Kidney disease is also caused by high blood pressure, and high blood pressure causes kidney disease, so it's a vicious circle.

As the creatinine levels go up, it shows how much damage is continuing to be done to the kidneys. This isn't caused by a high protein diet. But as the levels rise, lowering protein intake will reduce the strain on the kidneys.

My husband is diabetic, and we've been struggling with kidney disease for several years. I watched his creatinine levels go to 3.9, and the docs said kidney function couldn't be reversed...the damage was done. But with diet we brought it down to 2.4! He still had kidney damage, of course, and it would only worsen in time.

February of 2005 he had a kidney transplant. The new kidney is functioning well, and there have been no rejections. His creatinine level is around 1.5, which is very good for a donor kidney, especially a cadaveric one from a small child.

ALL diabetic should have their creatinine levels checked several times a year. If we had caught it in time, there would have been no kidney transplant. If you have to ASK for it, then ASK!!!

[norweaver]

Normal creatinine ranges anywhere from about 0.6 to 1.3 depending on the lab at which it is drawn. I caution anyone here not to look at particular numbers in isolation and without the input of your MD. Creatinine must be looked at in combination with BUN (blood urea nitrogen), and is looked at in a ratio of BUN to Cr. Many things can cause it to be elevated, including things as simple as dehydration or as complex as kidney failure. PLEASE ask your doctor or other health care professional to explain. Most importantly, ask your doctor if you are spilling protein in your urine (microalbumin) which is an early indication of problems with kidney filtration.