Practicalities and importance of assessing urine albumin excretion in type 2 diabetes: A cutting-edge update

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is estimated that 40 % of people with diabetes have CKD, which consequently leads to increase in morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is leading cause of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally. On the other hand, DKD is independent risk factor for CVDs, stroke and overall mortality. According to the guidelines, using spot urine sample and assessing urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are both mandatory methods for screening of CKD in T2D at diagnosis and at least annually thereafter. Diagnosis of CKD is confirmed by persistent albuminuria followed by a progressive decline in eGFR in two urine samples at an interval of 3 to 6 months. However, many patients with T2D remain underdiagnosed and undertreated, so there is an urgent need to improve the screening by detection of albuminuria at all levels of health care. This review discusses the importance of albuminuria as a marker of CKD and cardiorenal risk and provides insights into the practical aspects of methods for determination of albuminuria in routine clinical care of patients with T2D.