[Microalbuminuria--an early marker of diabetic nephropathy].

Abstract

The pathophysiological basis of microalbuminuria is outlined. In a preliminary study (n = 71) and a comprehensive retrospective study over 4 years in type I diabetics (IDDM) (n = 1470) and type II diabetics (NIDDM) (n = 2112), clinical and anamnestic data were compared and the blood pressure, protein excretion, and albumin concentration in the urine were recorded. Early recognition of microalbuminuria in diabetic nephropathy permits successful therapeutic intervention and thus a significant postponement of terminal renal failure.