A new medical advisory by Dr. Nikita Pawar, one of India’s leading nephrologists, is making headlines for highlighting a troubling trend: protein leaking into urine (proteinuria) and kidney stones often appear together — and the reasons behind this connection reveal how silently the kidneys can begin failing.
In healthy kidneys, essential proteins remain in the bloodstream while waste is filtered out. But when the kidneys’ filters — the glomeruli — are damaged, protein starts slipping into the urine. According to Dr. Pawar, this leakage not only signals declining kidney health but also creates conditions inside the body that trigger stone formation.
Here are the top five causes she warns everyone to watch out for:
1-Autoimmune Diseases Attacking the Kidneys
In conditions like lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, and glomerulonephritis, the body’s own immune system turns against its kidneys.
The result?
● Inflammation,
● Weakened filtration units,
● Protein escaping into urine,
● Disturbed mineral balance — a perfect environment for kidney stones.
Dr. Pawar says most autoimmune kidney patients experience both proteinuria and stones, making early diagnosis crucial.
2-Uncontrolled Diabetes — The No. 1 Global Cause
High blood sugar gradually destroys the kidney’s microscopic blood vessels — a condition called diabetic nephropathy.
As the filters thicken and stiffen over the years, they allow protein to leak through. But that’s not all.
Diabetes also pushes excess calcium, oxalates, and uric acid into urine while reducing citrate, which normally prevents stones.
Result?
Higher risk of painful kidney stones — especially uric acid stones.
3-High Blood Pressure That Slowly Damages the Kidneys
Chronic hypertension puts relentless pressure on the kidneys.
Over time it causes
● Scarring,
● Reduced blood flow,
● Lack of oxygen,
● Weak filtration barriers.
As damage worsens, protein leakage increases — and mineral imbalance sparks stone formation.
Kidney stones, in turn, worsen blood pressure, creating a dangerous cycle.
4-Inherited or Congenital Kidney Disorders
Some individuals are born with structural or genetic kidney conditions such as:
●Polycystic kidney disease
●Alport syndrome
●Congenital blockages
These abnormalities cause early-life proteinuria and disrupt urine flow, making stones more likely.
Patients often require lifelong monitoring to prevent severe complications.
5-Chronic Kidney or Urinary Tract Infections
Infections that repeatedly attack the kidneys cause sustained inflammation, weakening tissues over time.
As filtration efficiency drops, protein begins to seep into urine.
Infection also leads to:
• Changes in urine pH
• Bacterial buildup
• Debris that becomes a base for stone crystals
A dangerous type called struvite stones can even grow large enough to fill the entire kidney pelvis.
Why This Matters Now
With lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension rising in India, nephrologists warn that proteinuria and kidney stones are becoming increasingly common, often going unnoticed until severe damage occurs.
Dr. Pawar urges people to:
●Monitor blood sugar
●Control blood pressure
●Seek early treatment for infections
●Watch for swelling, frothy urine, or back pain
●Get regular kidney checkups if at high risk
