ABSTRACT
To find out the role of microalbuminuria as an indicator of kidney function among diabetics. Comparative study. Diabetes control clinic of Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, a tertiary care hospital, was the venue. The study was conducted during March 2002 to August 2003. Timed overnight urine samples were collected from all subjects and albumin was estimated using Radioimmunoassay [RIA] method. Albumin excretion rate [AER] was assessed in three groups including normals, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. AER over 30 mg/min was considered as significant. A significantly higher proportion of AER was observed in both types of diabetes. A higher proportion of increased AER was observed in females of Type 2 diabetics. The study has indicated that irrespective of the duration and type of diabetes the damage to the kidney can be avoided if good glycemic control is achieved