What are the early assessment indicators for diabetic nephropathy?
Diabetic nephropathy is a disease primarily caused by kidney damage. The main early evaluation indicators are the measurement of urinary microalbumin or urinary sialic acid, with specific analysis as follows:
1. Urinary Microalbumin
The normal range for urinary microalbumin is 0.49–2.05 mg/mmolCr or 4.28–18.14 mg/gCr. If test results exceed this normal range, there may be a risk of diabetic nephropathy, and conditions such as hypertension or renal dysfunction could also develop. Regular follow-up testing is essential. When detected early, the treatment outcome is generally favorable.
2. Urinary Sialic Acid
Sialic acid helps break down albumin molecules, maintaining their stability, reducing pathogen invasion into the body, and promoting nerve signal transmission. Changes in urinary sialic acid concentration can lead to abnormal glomerular filtration, causing a sharp increase in sialic acid levels, which significantly raises the risk of developing diabetic nephropathy.
In addition, this condition can cause certain damage to kidney function. Without timely treatment, the functions of various organs in the body may undergo irreversible deterioration. Moreover, diabetic nephropathy progresses through different stages, each requiring different treatment approaches. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment are crucial.