Objective: To find out the role of microalbuminuria as an indicator of kidney function among diabetics.
Design: Comparative study.
Place and duration of study: Diabetes control clinic of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, a tertiary care hospital, was the venue. The study was conducted during March 2002 to August 2003.
Patients and methods: Timed overnight urine samples were collected from all subjects and albumin was estimated using Radioimmunoassay (RIA) method. Albumin excretion rate (AER) was assessed in three groups including normals, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. AER over 30 microg/min was considered as significant.
Results: A significantly higher proportion of AER was observed in both types of diabetes. A higher proportion of increased AER was observed in females of Type 2 diabetics.
Conclusion: The study has indicated that irrespective of the duration and type of diabetes the damage to the kidney can be avoided if good glycemic control is achieved.