Microalbuminuria is a condition where low levels of albumin protein are found in urine, indicating kidney problems. It is often associated with diabetes and high blood pressure, and can lead to kidney failure and cardiovascular disease. Regular testing and lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and controlling blood sugar, can slow its development.
Microalbuminuria refers to very low amounts of albumin in the urine. Albumin is a protein normally found in the kidneys, but if it begins to fail to be processed adequately by the kidneys, some of the protein is excreted in the urine. Very specifically, what defines this condition are amounts or egg whites corresponding to more than 30 but less than 300 milligrams per deciliter in urine quantities, in repeated tests. This is usually lower than what can be found in most standard urine tests, but is still a serious indicator of several problems.
Some of the conditions associated with the presence or microalbuminuria are diabetes and high blood pressure. Very risky conditions such as kidney failure or diabetic nephropathy and a correspondingly higher risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke exist when this symptom is present. There are some doctors who recommend yearly or six-monthly tests to look for this warning symptom, especially in people in high-risk groups. Diabetics, those at risk of other forms of kidney damage and failure, and those with high blood pressure might fall into these groups.
It’s important to note that a microalbuminuria test reading isn’t necessarily indicative of anything. Doctors usually have to run several tests that all show egg white in the urine in low amounts to confirm the diagnosis of this condition. However, if the diagnosis is confirmed, it can mean that the kidneys begin to fail in diabetics and is considered one of the earliest symptoms of diabetic nephropathy.
While this is a scary concept, diabetic nephropathy is usually not a lightning-fast process, quickly ending in total kidney failure. It may be possible to slow its development through several behavioral and medical changes. It is exceptionally important for people with diabetes who have had positive microalbuminuria tests to modify their behavior in certain ways. This includes never smoking and quitting immediately if a person smokes. Additionally, it is helpful to focus on maintaining low blood pressure through diet, exercise, and medications. Finally, blood sugar control is vital, as excess blood sugar can accelerate kidney failure. Another suggestion given to some patients is to follow a low protein diet.
People most likely to be diagnosed with microalbuminuria are those with type 2 diabetes, although it also occurs in type 1. It is currently recommended that people have urine tests for this condition once a year after diagnosis . Given the risks of diabetic nephropathy, it is helpful to make lifestyle and behavior changes before a test becomes positive. An emphasis on good diet, exercise, smoking cessation and blood sugar control could be of tremendous use.
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