In our body, kidneys are responsible for excretory function and purification of blood. The kidneys have filters in them for retaining healthy molecules and sending excretory products outside. Blood plasma contains several kinds of proteins including albumin. In the case of healthy kidneys, the filter functions effectively for preventing albumin (protein substance) to pass through. However when the person gets affected with prolonged diabetics, it can damage the filter over time and allowing the albumin to be excreted into the urine. The process in which albumin is expelled out from the kidneys into the urine is called “Albuminuria”.
The urine contains large amount of protein molecules called albumin, if the kidneys cannot function effectively. This condition is also called as Proteinuria and is largely caused by improper function of kidneys due to diabetes. Often this disorder is caused by slow process and does not happen overnight. Hyperglycemia is the condition of high blood sugar which damages the kidneys impairing its function. This condition will cause albuminuria.
Symptoms :
The symptoms of this disorder become evident only after the kidneys have been damaged seriously. This disease may not have any symptoms at all during the initial stages. The main sign of albuminuria is excess of protein called albumin in the urine. The affected person may observe foamy urine as the first sign.
Due to loss of protein (albumin) the blood can no longer absorb the amount of fluids as before which results in swelling or edema. Hence,there will be inflammation of ankles and hands due to accumulation of fluids and for some people the face becomes swollen. If you observe any swelling on the face or stomach or feet it can be due to albuminuria or heavy amounts of protein loss. Hence it is necessary for people with diabetes to check for proteinuria in the urine at regular intervals, since it is the best test available for judging the kidney damage. Usually albumin and creatinine ratio is checked for analyzing the presence of albumin in urine. In men it should be < 2.5 mg and in women it should be less than 3.5 mg per mmol.