Microalbumin

A normal urine microalbumin (albumin excretion) is under 30 mg per day or an albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) below 30 mg/g (or <3 mg/mmol). Values of 30–300 mg/day (ACR 30–300 mg/g; 3–30 mg/mmol) indicate microalbuminuria; above 300 mg/day (ACR >300 mg/g; >30 mg/mmol) indicates overt proteinuria. Results need clinical interpretation.

Reduce urine microalbumin by controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, using ACE inhibitors or ARBs when prescribed, quitting smoking, lowering salt intake, exercising, maintaining healthy weight, and managing cholesterol. Avoid nephrotoxic drugs (excessive NSAID use) and ensure regular kidney function and urine checks. Discuss individualized targets and medications with your healthcare provider.

Microalbuminuria, small amounts of albumin in urine, most commonly reflects early kidney damage from diabetes or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Other causes include chronic kidney or glomerular diseases, heart failure, urinary tract infection, vigorous exercise, fever or dehydration, certain medications, smoking, and pregnancy (preeclampsia). It warrants repeat testing and medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying cause.

Albumin in urine ranges from transient benign causes (exercise, fever, dehydration) to persistent albuminuria, which signals kidney damage and raises risk of chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Severity depends on level and persistence; repeated testing with urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and kidney function tests is needed. Early detection allows treatment—blood-pressure and blood-sugar control, plus medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs—to slow progression. See your clinician.

High blood albumin (hyperalbuminemia) is uncommon and usually reflects dehydration or hemoconcentration, sometimes from excessive protein intake or lab artifact. It rarely indicates liver disease—rather it signals an underlying fluid imbalance, medication effect, or uncommon genetic causes. Typically it causes no direct symptoms, but persistent or unexplained elevation needs repeat testing and medical evaluation to find and treat the cause.

Urine creatinine concentration alone doesn’t define kidney failure. Clinically, kidney failure is indicated by very low kidney filtration—eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²—or by creatinine clearance from a 24‑hour urine of <15 mL/min, which reflects end‑stage renal failure. Very low 24‑hour urine creatinine excretion also suggests poor renal function. Consult a clinician for proper testing and interpretation.