Urine with a reddish color does not always indicate the presence of blood or bleeding within the urinary tract. Similarly, the presence of blood in the urine may not be visible to the naked eye. In order to differentiate between reddish brown discoloration of urine and bloody urine, it is important to test for the presence of red blood cells.

Red blood cells in the urine is  a clear indication of bleeding, usually within the urinary tract. The bleeding may stem from the kidneys, ureter, bladder, prostate (males) or urethra. The presence of red blood cells in the urine is known by the medical term, hematuria (hema ~ blood, uria ~ in urine). Hematuria is not always a cause for concern and may resolves spontaneously with no treatment. However persistent blood in the urine usually indicates a more serious problem that requires further investigation and the appropriate treatment.

continue reading Bloody Urine – Causes of Red Color, Blood in Urine

Swelling of the leg may involve a noticeable distension of the shin or calf, ankles, feet or toes.  Foot swelling may be a common occurrence which most of us will experience at some point in life after a long day of standing or sitting but may also be an indication of a more serious pathology as in certain cardiovascular disorders.

Recurrent or persistent swelling of the feet should be investigated by a medical practitioner especially if you have a history of cardiovascular disease or have noticed a change in color, sensation or mobility of the leg, foot or toe.

continue reading Swollen Leg & Swelling of the Feet, Ankle & Toes

FRIDAY, April 4 (Health Day News) – According to a new study, high levels of uric acid in the blood may be a near the beginning sign of diabetic kidney disease among the people that have type 1 diabetes.

Joslin Diabetes Center Boston:

At the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston the researchers noted that high uric acid levels may emerge before any notable change in urine albumin levels which is the standard screening test for diabetic kidney disease.

Urine albumin levels:

The researchers checked serum uric acid attentiveness and urine albumin levels in 675 patients who have type 1 diabetes.They found that 311 patients had micro-albuminuria (little amount of protein albumin in the urine), an early sign of diabetic kidney disease and the other 364 patients had standard urine albumin levels.While none of the patients had higher levels of albumin (albuminuria), one out of five did have some harm of kidney function.

continue reading Diabetic Kidney Disease: