Predictive Significance for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of Microalbuminuria

Authors

John C. Lewis, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Internal Medicine

Advisor

Elyse Watkins, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to review the predictive value of microalbuminuria for diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Method: A PubMed literature search was conducted with the search term microalbuminuria, and neuropathy. Thirty-two pertinent articles were revealed, and they serve as the basis for this clinical review.

Results: Microalbuminuria was significantly associated with the presence of peripheral neuropathy

Conclusion: Microalbuminuria is a well-established biochemical clinical tool used to predict diabetic microvascular and macrovascular complications including nephropathy, retinopathy, and ischemic heart disease. In spite of the low microalbuminuria specificity for any particular diabetic complication, there is evidence that its sensitivity can be a beneficial prediction tool for one, or multiple, complications. Microalbuminuria may be a valuable prognostic indicator for the future development of diabetic vascular complications. Additional studies regarding the importance of microalbuminuria will continue to be published. We could potentially see changes to the diabetic guidelines that may reflect the significance of checking urine microalbumin levels from annually to quarterly.

Recommended Citation

Lewis JC. Predictive Significance for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of Microalbuminuria. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2021; 3(2).