![What Causes Microalbuminuria](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/urine-test-1.jpg?output-quality=75)
Microalbuminuria is a condition in which there is an abnormally increased amount of a protein called albumin in your urine, between 30-299 mg/gram creatinine.
When your kidneys are healthy, they filter large molecules such as albumin and prevent them from being excreted in large quantities in urine. Microalbuminuria can therefore be a sign that your kidneys are not functioning optimally.
Diabetes is the most common cause of microalbuminuria in the U.S. Kidney damage can also be caused by conditions such as:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome (group of conditions that include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels)
- Inherited kidney diseases (such as polycystic kidney disease and Alport syndrome)
- Early stages of type I diabetes mellitus
Sometimes microalbuminuria has causes unrelated to kidney damage, such as high fever, extreme physical activity, or excessive protein intake. In such cases, the condition may reverse if the underlying cause is treated.
How is microalbuminuria detected?
Microalbuminuria is detected through a simple urine test. Normal albumin levels in urine should be less than 30 mg/gram per day.
Microalbuminuria is a laboratory diagnosis and is defined as urinary excretion of albumin between 30-300 mg of albumin per day. A value of more than 300 mg is called albuminuria, macroalbuminuria, or proteinuria and indicates severe kidney damage.
What additional tests may be done if you have microalbuminuria?
If you have three positive results over a few months, your doctor may order a blood test to estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Your GFR number helps your doctor determine the status of your kidney functions. Other tests include
- Imaging tests (ultrasound or CT scan of the renal pelvis)
- Kidney biopsy (surgical removal of a small piece of the kidney for examination under a microscope)
Who should undergo regular urine testing for microalbuminuria?
People who are at an increased risk of developing kidney disease need to test their urine at regular intervals to check if they have microalbuminuria. These include people with conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Family history of kidney failure
Other risk factors for kidney disease include:
- Age: 65 or older
- Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians
How is microalbuminuria treated?
If microalbuminuria is detected, your doctor will take your medical history and check if you:
- Have fever
- Exercised right before the test
- Are taking medications that cause excretion of albumin in urine
- Have a urinary tract infection
Your doctor will repeat the test the following day or sometime during the next few days. If the repeat test detects microalbuminuria again, it may indicate a problem with your kidneys. Your doctor will refer you to a nephrologist, who may recommend treatments that include:
- Medications to treat diabetes
- Medications to treat hypertension
- Lifestyle changes such as reducing excess weight, exercising regularly, and making changes to your diet
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/kidney-disease/kidney-disease-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
The only purpose of the kidneys is to filter blood. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
Jones CA, Francis ME, Eberhardt MS, et al. Microalbuminuria in the US population: third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Am J Kidney Dis. 2002;39:445-459.
Singh A, Satchell SC. Microalbuminuria: causes and implications. Pediatr Nephrol. 2011;26(11):1957-1965.
Top What Causes Microalbuminuria Related Articles
albumin human
Human albumin occurs naturally in the body. Albumin is used for hypovolemia (low blood volume), hypoalbuminemia (low albumin), burns, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), nephrosis, renal dialysis, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, acute liver failure, and hemolytic disease of the newborn. Side effects of albumin are edema, increased heart rate, headache, nausea, vomiting, flushing, itching, fever, and chills.Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), or chronic kidney failure, is slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years. CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work effectively.Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.Diabetes Quiz
Take the Diabetes Quiz and learn the causes, signs, symptoms, and types of this growing epidemic. What does diabetes have to do with obesity and diet? Learn about life as a diabetic.How Can I Check My Kidneys at Home?
Albumin home test kits and smartphone-enabled home urinalysis devices are available to check your kidney function at home.Insulin Pump for Diabetes
An insulin pump is designed to deliver insulin directly to a patient with diabetes. They are about the size of a standard beeper. The pump is attached to under the skin (usually on the abdomen). The amount of insulin required will depend on lifestyle (exercise, sleep patterns, activity level, and diet).Kidney Disease Quiz
Kidney disease is common. Take this kidney disease quiz to test your knowledge and learn the symptoms, causes and types of kidney disease and what foods to eat and avoid!Kidney (Renal) Failure
Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, or medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure include sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis.
Post renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones.Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
Kidneys Picture
The kidneys are a pair of organs located in the back of the abdomen. See a picture of the Kidneys and learn more about the health topic.Signs of a Kidney Disease
Most of the signs of kidney diseases are unnoticed, ignored, or appear very late in the disease. Over 37 million American adults have kidney diseases, and most are not aware of it.Type 1 Diabetes
What is type 1 diabetes? There are new treatments for juvenile diabetes, and more people with diabetes can be treated than ever before. Learn the symptoms of T1D, the causes, and find ways to control your blood glucose levels naturally.Diabetes Urine Tests
Urine tests for individuals with diabetes is important to check for diabetes-related kidney disease and severe hypoglycemia. With proper monitoring of blood glucose levels, diabetic-kidney disease can be avoided.Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
You might know that more than a drink or two a day is bad for your health. But in some cases, any alcohol at all may not be a great idea.