If you have had a blood test, you may have noticed the word “creatinine” on your report. For many it is just another number, but this little marker can tell you a lot about how well your kidneys are working.

Knowing what creatinine is, normal levels and when it is dangerous can help you take action to protect your kidney health in time.

What creatinine is?

Your muscles makes creatinine during normal activity. Your kidneys filter out creatinine from your blood and it leaves your body in urine.

Since creatinine is produced at a relatively constant rate and excreted by the kidneys, its levels are a good indicator of kidney function.

What is a normal creatinine level?

Normal levels of creatinine can vary a little depending on a person’s age, sex, and muscle mass and general health.

Normal Reference Range

• Adult males 0.7-1.3 mg/dL Adult females 0.6-1.1 mg/dL
• Children: 0.3-0.7 mg/dL

Doctors often will also look at creatinine with another important measure called eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) to better understand kidney function.

Why Creatinine Matters?

Your kidneys are important for removing waste, regulating fluid and your general health. The kidneys don’t work properly, and creatinine builds up in the blood.

Elevated creatinine levels can be indicative of damage on the kidneys.

Causes of raised creatinine include:

High creatinine levels do not necessarily indicate serious disease, but they do indicate that your kidneys may not be functioning properly.

Reason: 1.

• Lack of water 
• Damage or infection to the kidneys.
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes mellitus .
• Some medicines (e.g. antibiotics or pain-killers)
• High-protein diet (Red Meat in Particular)
• Vigorous exercise

High creatinine levels are associated with many chronic illnesses like Chronic Kidney Disease.

Symptoms of high creatinine

CKD may be silent intially

• Weakness, tiredness
• Swelling of the face or leg;
• Urination problems
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and confusion

These symptoms can be a sign of kidney function going downhill and should not be ignored.

Low Creatinine Levels what does it mean?

Low creatinine levels are generally less concerning and can be associated with:

• Low muscle mass
• Aging
• Malnourished

However, in some cases very low levels may require further assessment.

How to Maintain a Low Creatinine Level?

Above all, your kidneys are important to protect. To keep creatinine levels normal.

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drink enough water and your kidneys can flush out waste efficiently.

2. Control blood sugar and blood pressure

Treating conditions like diabetes and hypertension that are causing kidney damage.

3. Don’t Abuse Painkillers

Some medicines can harm kidney function if taken regularly over time.

4. Have A Well-Balanced Diet

Lower protein

Reduce processed foods and salt consumption

Fruits and Vegetables

5. Gentle exercise

Regular exercise is good for you, but don’t overdo it.

6. Regular health check-up

Routine blood tests that help find changes don’t show early symptoms changes.

Summary

Normal levels are a sign that your kidneys are working well. Take care of yourself if levels are increased – meat your kidney doctor Immediately.

Early detection and lifestyle changes can do wonders to prevent serious kidney disease.