What Is the Connection between Albuminuria and Diabetes?

Albuminuria and diabetes are closely connected, as diabetes can strain the kidneys and albumin in the urine can indicate the kidneys are not functioning normally. Diabetes is one of the most common causes of kidney disease worldwide, and patients with diabetes may be monitored closely for early warning signs that their organs are having trouble functioning. Prompt identification and treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications in the future. This may extend the patient’s lifespan and reduce the need for invasive and costly medical procedures.

In patients with diabetes, blood pressure can start to rise, putting pressure on the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. This is most common when patients cannot control the condition adequately, although this is not always the case. As the kidneys are strained, the tiny filters inside can start to fail, allowing proteins like albumin to leak into the urine. Urinalysis will show signs of these proteins, indicating the patient has albuminuria and diabetes.

This may appear as an early warning sign of kidney stress. Patients who take action to control their diabetes and promote kidney health may be able to avert further damage and give the kidneys time to recover. If albuminuria and diabetes persist unaddressed, patients can be at risk of developing kidney failure, where the organs stop functioning and need to be replaced with dialysis and eventual transplant.

Studies have also noted that albuminuria and diabetes appear to be connected with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This could be a circular medical effect, where strain on the heart and blood vessels causes kidney problems and untreated kidney problems exacerbate the original circulatory problem. The presence of albuminuria is also a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease in otherwise healthy patients, making it a cause for concern when it is identified in a urinalysis. Labs will typically flag this result to make sure it is identified when a care provider reviews the values from urinalysis testing.

Routine lab testing to check on kidney function and other health measures may be recommended as part of a diabetes management plan. If a medical provider notes albuminuria and diabetes in a patient, the first step may be working to control the diabetes. Follow-up testing can determine if the kidneys are responding, or if the patient is getting worse. Aggressive treatment options can be considered if conservative measures like diet and exercise modifications are not effective. Patients may need to take medications to regulate kidney function, for instance.