Albuminuria

The kidneys normally filter out large molecules from the urine, so albuminuria can be an indicator of damage to the kidneys. It can also occur in patients with long-standing diabetes especially type 1 diabetes[?].

The amount of protein being lost in the urine can be quantified by collecting the urine for 24 hours, measuring a sample of the pooled urine, and extrapolating to the volume collected. Causes of albuminuria can be discriminated between by the amount of protein excreted. The nephrotic syndrome[?] usually results in the excretion of about 3.0 to 3.5 grams per 24 hours. Nephritic syndrome[?] results in far less albuminuria.

Microalbuminuria can be a forerunner of diabetic nephropathy[?].