Definition:
Creatinine is a by-product that is produced when muscles expend energy. Creatinine is normally filtered from the blood by the kidneys and excreted in the urine. One of the complications of type 2 diabetes is kidney damage which can result in kidney failure. When kidneys start to fail, creatinine builds up in the blood. Doctors will watch the creatinine levels carefully to determine how much function the kidneys have. A normal level of creatinine is usually between 0.6 and 1.2 mg/dl. As the number rises above 1.2 mg/dl, it shows that kidney function is decreasing. Creatinine levels are obtained by a simple blood test.
