Dr. V Mohan, as part of this exclusive 12-article series on Diabetes, answers questions posted by readers on the previous article- Exclusive- Diabetes and kidney disease.

Question 1: Is there is any role of N-acetylcysteine and taurine in DKD or in microalbuminuria?

Dr. V Mohan: The role of N-acetylcysteine and taurine in DKD and in microalbuminuria is still controversial and they are not universally accepted.

Question 2: Is frothy urine an early indication of kidney disease?

Dr. V Mohan: Frothy or foamy urine is usually not an indication of kidney disease and may be quite normal. The most obvious reason why urine is foamy is due to the speed of urination. If urine hits the toilet quickly, it tends to foam up just like water foams up when it comes out of the tap. Sometimes foamy urine may indicate that there is protein leakage in the urine. The protein acts with air to create foam. Other less causes of foamy urine are retrograde ejaculation or the use of drugs such as Pyridium. If the urine is persistently foamy, it may be worth analysing the urine to rule out proteinuria or retrograde ejaculation.

Question 3: Getting up at night to pass urine is an indication of DM. But is it also for CKD?

Dr. V Mohan: Getting up at night to pass urine is usually an indication of uncontrolled diabetes. It also could be an indication of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). It is not a usual indication of CKD.

To read articles published in the series, click,

Treatment algorithm; factors to consider while prescribing medication: Dr. V Mohan

Diabetes Q&A with Dr. V Mohan: Treatment algorithm for DM

Managing hypertension in diabetic patients: Dr. V Mohan

Diabetes Q&A with Dr. V Mohan: Managing hypertension in diabetic patients

Diet and Diabetes: Dr. V Mohan

Exercise & Diabetes by Dr. V Mohan

Q&A with Dr. V Mohan: Exercise and Diabetes

Hypoglycemia & low blood sugar reactions

Being a part of this exclusive series allows you to post a question for Dr. V Mohan. Answers will be published in the next article in this monthly series.

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

The author, Dr. V Mohan is the Chairman & Chief of Diabetology at Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre & Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, Chennai, India.