The presence of protein in the urine may indicate

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Kidney disease
• C. Acid-base imbalance
• D. Hemolytic anemia

Answer: (B)

Protein in the urine, or proteinuria, indicates the kidneys aren’t filtering properly. Healthy kidneys retain most protein in the bloodstream, so its presence in urine points to a problem with the renal filtration units, i.e., kidney disease or glomerular damage. Diabetes mellitus can lead to kidney damage over time and thus cause proteinuria, but the finding itself most directly signals kidney disease rather than diagnosing diabetes. Acid-base imbalance is assessed mainly by blood tests for pH, bicarbonate, and electrolytes, not by urine protein. Hemolytic anemia involves red blood cell destruction and related issues, not a primary explanation for protein in the urine.