Kidney involvement?

Hi everyone. At this point, I have “mild lupus” meaning no organ involvement. I had a WHOLE bunch of blood work done as I am attempting to enter a clinical drug trial for new lupus drug. The nurse just called, and we are still awaiting some results. However, she said my blood sugar was low, like, not within normal limits. She also said my potassium and calcium were high. I just did a quick search to interpret the results and all are signs of kidney issues. (Yes pancreas deals with glucose, but kidneys process as well). I just don’t know what to think? I’m 5’7 and 123 lbs. I’ve never been overweight in my life. My DNA and smith tests were normal too. But ANA positive. I’m still learning lots about what everything means. Thank you in advance for posts!

How about urine results? I do have kidney involvement, creatinine, blood, protein, high wbc, and rbc. Other results were off too, actually I think one was normal! Relax, they just keep an eye on it for a long time. I am going for biopsy but it’s been years!

Hi Kelly,

Like Deb mentioned, its something to keep an eye on. I would suggest finding a Nephrologist in your area. He/she will keep an eye specifically on the status of your kidneys. I think that its a good idea for every lupus patient to have a nephrologist as part of the "team" of specialists. I don't want to alarm you but kidney involvement is real and serious for lupus patients. So, go with your gut, and get some baseline indicators from a nephrologist and see where things are.

Doesn't mean your kidneys are involved- repeat the labs Blood drawing techniques, hemolyzed blood samples, hydration status, recent dietary status all can influence lab results without any organ damage

I have kidney disease. I have protein in my urine( urine is sudsy or foamy) but no blood. I had had lupus for 15 or more years before my kidney involvement. The worst thing I could have done was to wait to see if my kidneys were damaged because of lupus. Because lupus can affect your organs, I'm checked for damaged to all the organs. See a Nephrologist. Also since diagnosed with lupus I have been diagnosed with diabetes, not to say that you are a diabetic, but I had high and low blood sugar. Now it's under control with medication. Good luck to you.

Hi Kelly. I read your post in my e-mail and had to reply. Just something to consider is having your parathyroid checked out. It’s something that can make your blood calcium levels too high, as it regulates calcium. Good luck!

Hi Kelly,

The blood tests for BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine are better indicators for kidney problems than glucose, calcium and potassium. How were those results? Also, protein in urine is an indicator of problems, has that been positive?