Optimal Early Diagnosis and Monitoring of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Addressing the Barriers to Albuminuria Testing
Elena A. Christofides, Niraj Desai
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) is a sensitive and early indicator of kidney damage, which should be used routinely to accurately assess CKD stage and monitor kidney health. However, this test currently is performed in only a minority of patients with T2D. Here, we review the importance of albuminuria testing and current barriers that hinder patient access to UACR testing and describe solutions to such testing in a community clinical setting.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineAlbuminuriaKidney diseaseDiabetes mellitusType 2 diabetesDiseaseType 2 Diabetes MellitusCreatinineIntensive care medicineInternal medicineRenal functionStage (stratigraphy)EndocrinologyBiologyPaleontologyChronic Kidney Disease and DiabetesDialysis and Renal Disease ManagementBlood Pressure and Hypertension Studies