Q: I am an insulin dependent diabetic for the last 25 years. My 24 hours urine protein gave results of 800 mg/24 hrs. Does this mean I have a kidney disease?

A:Persistently increased protein excretion in the urine is a marker of kidney damage. Based on your 24-hour urine protein result, you probably have an underlying chronic kidney disease especially in view of long standing history of diabetes. You require a complete evaluation of your kidney function including tests like serum creatinine, urinalysis and renal ultrasound to delineate the definite cause of proteinuria. You may benefit from the addition of medications called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs). Studies have shown that these medications help delay the progression of your kidney disease usually through the reduction of protein leakage in the urine and also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.