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Microalbuminuria

Microalbuminuria: Overview, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is Microalbuminuria?

Microalbuminuria is the presence of a small amount of the protein albumin in the urine, which is higher than normal but below the level detectable by routine urine tests. It indicates early kidney damage when the kidneys’ filtering units (glomeruli) become slightly permeable and allow albumin to leak into the urine. This condition is an important early warning sign of chronic kidney disease, particularly in people with diabetes or hypertension123.

Causes and Risk Factors

Microalbuminuria most commonly results from:

• Diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2), where high blood sugar levels damage the kidneys over time45.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure), which stresses and damages kidney blood vessels4.
• Cardiovascular diseases linked to kidney dysfunction5.
• Glomerular diseases and other kidney disorders.
• Temporary factors such as infections, strenuous exercise, dehydration, or fever can also cause microalbuminuria but usually resolve4.

Symptoms

Microalbuminuria usually causes no symptoms in the early stages. As kidney damage progresses, other signs may appear such as:

• Foamy or bubbly urine due to protein content.
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes.
• Fatigue and other symptoms related to impaired kidney function123.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves detecting albumin levels using sensitive urine tests:

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) on a spot urine sample is the preferred test for screening and monitoring.
• 24-hour urine collection to measure total albumin excretion.
  Persistent microalbuminuria is defined as an albumin excretion rate between 30 and 300 mg per 24 hours or an equivalent UACR. Repeat testing over time helps confirm the diagnosis and distinguish it from transient causes45.

Treatment

Treatment is centered on managing underlying conditions to prevent progression to overt kidney disease:

• Tight blood glucose control in diabetics.
• Blood pressure management, often with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which reduce kidney damage and protein leakage.
• Lifestyle modifications such as healthy diet, weight control, and smoking cessation.
• Regular monitoring of kidney function and urine albumin levels123.

Prevention

Early detection and management of microalbuminuria can prevent or delay chronic kidney disease and reduce cardiovascular complications.

Key Points

• Microalbuminuria is a critical early marker of kidney damage detectable by sensitive urine tests.
• Common causes include diabetes and hypertension.
• Typically asymptomatic in early stages.
• Diagnosed by urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio or 24-hour urine albumin measurement.
• Treatment focuses on controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and lifestyle changes.
• Early intervention can prevent progression to chronic kidney disease.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

If there are risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or concerns about kidney health, consult with our expert team for comprehensive evaluation and personalized management.

References:

1. Bupa. Albuminuria (microalbuminuria). 2024. doi:10.1007/s00467-011-1760-4
2. Verywell Health. What Microalbuminuria Means for Kidney Health. 2023.
3. Singh A, et al. Microalbuminuria: causes and implications. PMC. 2011. doi:10.1007/s00467-011-1760-4
4. National Kidney Foundation. Albuminuria – Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment. 2025.
5. Tuasaude. Microalbuminuria: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment. 2024. doi:10.1007/s00467-011-1760-4