©MiltonKeynesHospital NHS Foundation Trust
Produced By: Dr Sue Weatherhead
Date Produced:11/2004, reviewed 08/2007, 09/2009
Review Date: 09/2012
Version No: ENDO/PI/003/V1
Page 1 of 2
What is microalbuminuria?
Albumin is a protein which is present in the blood. Normal kidneys filter out waste products but prevent proteins (such as albumin) getting into the urine. If the kidneys are damaged by diabetes then they start to leak a little, and albumin appears in the urine.
Routine urine tests detect large quantities of albumin. To detect tiny quantities of albumin (what doctors call microalbuminuria) a special test is needed. You should be offered a urine test for microalbuminuria annually. The aim is to pick up the very early warning signs of kidney damage.
How is microalbuminuria detected?
You will be asked to provide an early morning urine specimen once a year. The laboratory measures the amount of albumin in the urine, together with a normal waste product called creatinine. Your result is reported as an albumin creatinine ratio (ACR).
What is a normal ACR?
Men should have an ACR less than 2.5, and women less than 3.5.
If you have one abnormal ACR you will be asked to repeat the test once or twice more, over the next few visits. It is important your specimen is the first urine passed after getting up. Only if two out of three tests are positive are you deemed to have microalbuminuria.
What does having microalbuminuria mean?
Microalbuminuria can be the first sign of developing kidney damage. It also suggests that you may be at higher risk of developing heart attack and stroke. It is important to identify if you are at risk of these conditions so you have the best chance of preventing them.
Occasionally microalbuminuria is not related to diabetes but to another kidney disorder.
I am positive for microalbuminuria-what now?
There is good evidence that the following measures will help prevent the development of diabetic kidney damage, heart attacks and strokes. You should discuss these with your doctor.
- Tighten up your blood sugar control.
- Lower blood pressure if high.
- Stop smoking.
- Use the class of drugs called ACE inhibitors (or A2 antagonists if these do not suite).
- Consider drugs for lowering cholesterol
- Consider low dose aspirin.
Further information:
- Diabetes Nurse Specialist at Milton KeynesHospital
Tel: 01908 243089
- Your family doctor/GP
- Diabetes UK is at 10 Parkway, London, NW1 7AA
Tel: 020 7424 1000
- Diabetes UK Careline is a confidential information service
Tel: 0845 120 2960
You can find Diabetes UK on the Internet at
©MiltonKeynesHospital NHS Foundation Trust
Produced By: Dr Sue Weatherhead
Date Produced:11/2004, reviewed 08/2007, 09/2009
Review Date: 09/2012
Version No: ENDO/PI/003/V1
Page 1 of 2