Patient Information Sheet Urine Testing and Microalbuminuria

Patient Information Sheet – Urine Testing And Microalbuminuria

As part of your routine diabetic assessment your urine is tested for protein. Protein in the urine may suggest the presence of a urine infection or may indicate the effects of diabetes on the kidneys. In addition, a urine sample is screened routinely to the laboratory at least once a year to identify very small amounts of the protein called albumin (microalbuminuria).

What is microalbuminuria and why is it important?

A slightly elevated amount of albumin in the urine, is called “microalbuminuria”. Microalbuminuria is a sensitive indicator, which signals that the kidneys may be beginning to be affected by diabetes. It is important to identify this in the very early stages so that treatment can be added to try and prevent progression to more severe kidney damage in later years. Very good control of blood pressure combined with improving glucose control as much as possible have been shown to be very beneficial.

Does a positive test for microalbuminuria always mean that the kidneys are affected by diabetes?

NO. Sometimes other factors can make the urine show small amounts of albumin in the laboratory test. For example a urine infection or recent vigorous exercise may also cause elevated levels. For this reason, if one specimen of urine suggests that microalbumin is present, this should always be confirmed by a repeat sample at a later date. If the second sample is also abnormal, it is usual to obtain an overnight urine collection to diagnose microalbuminuria.