Use of Microalbuminuria Testing in Persons with Type 2 Diabetes: Are the Right Patients Being Tested?

Conclusions

Because physician use of microalbuminuria screening does not follow established guidelines, consideration should be given to other strategies to prevent nephropathy in persons with type 2 diabetes. One proposed strategy would advise all patients with type 2 diabetes to start ACEI or ARB therapy along with their medications for diabetes. This strategy would obviate the need for microalbuminuria screening, while ensuring that patients receive any additional benefits of ACEI or ARB therapy unrelated to renal protection. It is unknown, however, whether patients would accept universal treatment rather than periodic screening. This is an important question that should be addressed before any population-based strategies are adopted.