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Microalbuminuria associated with diabetic neuropathy
D S Bell1, C H Ketchum, C A Robinson
1Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama, Birmingham.
Diabetes Care
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Microalbuminuria, an early sign of kidney damage in diabetes, is independently linked to diabetic neuropathy. This finding suggests a potential vascular cause for nerve damage in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Neurology
Background:
- Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Microalbuminuria is an early indicator of kidney damage in diabetic patients.
- The relationship between microalbuminuria and diabetic neuropathy requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if microalbuminuria is independently associated with diabetic neuropathy.
- To explore potential shared etiological factors between microalbuminuria and diabetic neuropathy.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of 78 diabetic patients with long-standing diabetes.
- Exclusion criteria included macroalbuminuria and elevated serum creatinine.
- Urine albumin levels measured by radioimmunoassay; microalbuminuria defined as ≥15 mg/L.
Main Results:
- 32% of patients had microalbuminuria.
- Microalbuminuria was significantly associated with diabetic neuropathy after adjusting for confounders.
- Hypertension also showed a significant association with microalbuminuria.
Conclusions:
- Microalbuminuria is an independent risk factor for diabetic neuropathy.
- The findings support a vascular etiology for diabetic distal symmetrical neuropathy.
- Early detection of microalbuminuria may help identify patients at risk for neuropathy.