[Microalbuminuria. From diabetes to cardiovascular risk]

An increased albuminuria level, known as microalbuminuria is associated with a range of diseases, most frequently with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes is an early sign of diabetic nephropathy onset, while it tends to be an indicator of the level of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes and essential hypertension. At present, an increased albumin excretion is considered to be a renal symptom of generalized endothelial dysfunction. A simple investigation, not bothersome to a patient, should be performed early and repeatedly in all patients with diabetes and hypertension, as low microalbuminaemia levels can be managed with appropriate treatment.