How to diagnose and how to interpret microalbuminuria in the diabetic patient.

The definition of microalbuminuria was introduced 10 years ago [ 1 ] and since then it has been widely accepted. In recently published guidelines for the prevention of diabetic renal failure [2] it was stressed that the term microalbuminuria refers to a persistent increase in the albumin excretion rate to values between 20 and 200 ug/min (30 and 300 mg/day). A persistent increase is documented when these values are transgressed in at least two of three consecutive sterile timed urine specimens performed within 6-12 weeks. The presence of microalbuminuria permits the diagnosis of incipient (early) nephropathy [3], since microalbuminuria is not a marker but the first sign of diabetic nephropathy.