![](\"https:\/\/cdn.diabetesselfmanagement.com\/2014\/03\/Campbell011917.jpg\")
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“Historically, looking at urine has been a way for doctors to gauge a person\u2019s health, especially before other types of testing were available. If you\u2019ve had diabetes for a long time or know someone who has, you\u2019ll know that urine testing was a way to figure out how well controlled (or uncontrolled) a persons\u2019 diabetes was \u2014 this was done in the days before blood glucose meters were available. Now, of course, we have more sophisticated tools to convey glucose information. But urine still has its place. In fact, the color, smell and consistency of your urine can give you and your doctor helpful information about what might be going on in your body.”<\/p>\n
“Urine is a waste product that contains breakdown products from food, drinks, medicines, cosmetics, environmental contaminants and by-products from metabolism and bacteria. Amazingly, urine contains more than 3,000 compounds \u2014 much more than what\u2019s found in other body fluids, such as saliva or cerebrospinal fluid. The kidneys do a remarkable job of filtering and concentrating to help get these compounds out of the body (you can understand why keeping your kidneys healthy<\/a> is so important). So, what is your urine telling you?”<\/p>\n “This may look alarming, especially when your urine seems to be glowing in the dark. But don\u2019t worry \u2014 the bright yellow color is likely due to vitamins, specifically, B vitamins and beta carotene.<\/p>\n “Green or blue urine seems like something straight out of a science fiction movie, but the color is very likely due to certain medicines that you\u2019re taking, such as amitriptyline, indomethacin (brand names Indocin, Indocin SR, Tivorbex) or propofol (Diprivan). Your urine might also be green or blue due to food dyes or, possibly, a urinary tract infection (UTI).<\/p>\n “Certain medications, such as rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine, Azulfidine EN-Tabs, Sulfazine, Sulfazine EC), and phenazopyridine (Pyridium, used to treat UTIs, and others), laxatives, and some chemotherapy drugs can turn your urine orange. Orange urine may also be a sign of liver problems or dehydration.<\/p>\n “Brown or tea-colored urine can result from antimalarial drugs, certain antibiotics, and laxatives that contain senna or cascara. Fava beans, rhubarb and aloe can also darken your urine, as can some kidney and liver disorders, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.<\/p>\n “Red or pink urine can be a sign of something serious\u2026or not. Red urine may be due to the presence of blood, and that\u2019s always somewhat concerning. Blood in the urine may be a sign of a UTI, enlarged prostate, a tumor, kidney or bladder stones, menstruation or injury to the urinary tract. It can also occur if you take blood-thinning medicine or aspirin. Less alarming causes of red urine are beets, berries and rhubarb.<\/p>\n “Cloudy urine can result from a UTI<\/a>, vaginal infection, or dehydration. If the urine is more milky in appearance, that may be due to the presence of bacteria, mucus, fat, or red or white blood cells.<\/p>\n “By the way, \u201chealthy\u201d urine should be pale yellow or straw-colored in appearance.”<\/p>\n Just sharin’! A. K. Buckroth<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" “Historically, looking at urine has been a way for doctors to gauge a person\u2019s health, especially before other types of testing were available. If you\u2019ve had diabetes for a long time or know someone who has, you\u2019ll know that urine … Continue reading If your urine is\u2026<\/h2>\n
Bright yellow<\/h3>\n
Green or blue<\/h3>\n
Orange<\/h3>\n
Brown<\/h3>\n
Red or pink<\/h3>\n
Cloudy<\/h3>\n