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Screening diabetic patients for microalbuminuria
J C Konen1, L G Curtis, Z K Shihabi
1Department of Family and Community Medicine, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
The Journal of Family Practice
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Screening for microalbuminuria, an early sign of kidney disease in diabetes, is feasible in family practice settings. Over 40% of screened diabetic patients showed elevated albumin excretion, indicating a high prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Abnormal urinary albumin excretion predicts diabetic nephropathy and atherosclerotic disease.
- Early detection of microalbuminuria is crucial for managing diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of measuring microalbuminuria in a large family practice population of diabetic patients.
- To determine the prevalence of elevated albumin excretion rates in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A free screening for microalbuminuria was offered to 473 diabetic patients.
- Urine samples were collected for albumin-to-creatinine ratio measurement.
- Demographic and clinical data were compared between participants and non-participants.
Main Results:
- Approximately 50% of eligible diabetic patients participated in the screening.
- Participating patients were representative of the overall diabetic population in the practice.
- Over 40% of screened patients exhibited abnormally elevated albumin excretion rates (>0.02 g/g creatinine).
- Participants found the screening process useful and complied with overnight urine collection instructions.
Conclusions:
- Screening for microalbuminuria in diabetic patients within family practice is feasible, simple, and cost-effective.
- A significant proportion of diabetic patients in primary care settings have elevated albuminuria, highlighting the need for screening.
- Further interventions are being developed to manage abnormal microalbuminuria and reduce nephropathy risk.