Albuminuria
Albuminuria means that the kidney has some damage and is starting to spill some albumin—kind of protein—into the urine. Albuminuria is the first sign of diabetic kidney disease.
Is diabetic kidney disease serious?
Kidney disease is one of the most serious complications of diabetes. After years of diabetes, the filtering units of the kidney—called glomeruli—get scarred and cannot filter the blood efficiently. Eventually, the kidneys may fail completely so that a person with the disease needs dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Are there tests that can tell if my kidneys have been hurt by diabetes?
Yes, blood and urine tests can show if your kidneys are affected.
How is albuminuria measured?
It can be measured by a specific urine test, either on a single urine specimen, or on a 24-hour urine collection. Any doctor can test for albuminuria. Routine urine analysis does not detect albuminuria.
Who should have this test and how often?
Everyone with Type I and Type II diabetes who is between 12 and 70 years of age should have a urine test for albuminuria at least once a year. If positive, the result should be confirmed by a second urine test.
What would be considered a positive result?
For a 24-hour urine collection, 30 to 300 mg of albumin means albuminuria. In a single urine specimen, a level of more than 30 mg of albumin per gram of creatinine is considered positive.
Can anything besides kidney disease cause this test to be positive?
Yes, some other conditions such as essential hypertension can also cause albuminuria. If the test is done during periods of illness, heavy exercise, urinary tract infections or poor blood glucose control, it may show a positive result.
Is there a home test to measure albuminuria?
No, there are no accurate home tests.
Is the test expensive and is it covered by health insurance?
The test is relatively inexpensive and most health insurance plans will cover it.
Does a positive test suggest other problems besides kidney disease?
Albuminuria suggests a higher risk for heart disease as well as kidney disease.
How many people who test positive for albuminuria develop kidney failure?
Most people with Type I diabetes who test positive for albuminuria will develop kidney failure after a number of years. Although some people with Type II diabetes will develop kidney failure, the exact number is not known.
What can be done to prevent diabetic kidney disease?
Tight control of glucose lowers the risk of all diabetic complications, including the development of albuminuria. Other measures are: keeping blood pressure under good control, quitting cigarette smoking and keeping on a diabetic diet, as prescribed by a doctor.
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