Most diabetes specialists do urine tests for microalbumin several times (two or three times) to be sure that these are really elevated. We prefer overnight urine testing but others prefer random urine/creatinine ratios or full 24 hour samples.
Using an ACE inhibitor is an excellent way to help protect the kidneys if there is already albumin leakage detected by microalbumin testing. Usually teenagers need smaller doses which means fewer side effects and not so much hypotension being produced, but all this should e monitored very carefully and decisions for the individual made.
The best way to protect the kidneys is to improve glucose control and lower the hemoglobin A1c levels as close to normal as possible. Some also suggest restricting animal-source proteins (meat and milk) since they contribute to microalbumin/albumin clearance as well. Go back and discuss in more detail with your daughter’s diabetes team so that you can understand what they are seeing, recommending and how they will follow this treatment to be sure it is safe and also working well.
SB
[Editor’s comment: Also, see How to Protect your Kidneys at the Diabetes Monitor.
WWQ]
