Urine microalbumin/creatinine ratio

A high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio indicates microalbuminuria — early kidney damage often from diabetes or hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. It needs repeat testing and exclusion of transient causes (infection, recent exercise, menstruation). Treatment targets blood pressure and glucose control, lifestyle changes, and medications (ACE inhibitors/ARBs) to slow progression; follow up with your clinician.

A good urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) for people with diabetes is below 30 mg/g (below 3 mg/mmol). Values 30–300 mg/g (3–30 mg/mmol) indicate moderately increased albuminuria (microalbuminuria) and >300 mg/g (>30 mg/mmol) indicates severe albuminuria. If UACR is ≥30 mg/g, repeat testing on two of three samples to confirm persistent albuminuria and consider treatment.

Lower your microalbumin‑to‑creatinine ratio by controlling blood pressure (often with ACE inhibitors/ARBs), optimizing blood sugar, and treating high cholesterol. Reduce dietary salt, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking, avoid long‑term NSAIDs, and limit alcohol. Regular monitoring and following your clinician’s treatment plan (medications and lifestyle) helps reverse or slow kidney damage.

There is no specific urine‑creatinine level that alone indicates kidney failure. Kidney failure is defined by markedly reduced kidney function (usually eGFR <15 mL/min/1.73 m²) or rapidly rising serum creatinine with clinical signs. Low urine creatinine or very low urine output can suggest poor kidney function, but diagnosis relies on serum creatinine, eGFR and clinical assessment—see a clinician for evaluation.

A high urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) means albumin is leaking into urine, an early sign of kidney damage. It raises risk of chronic kidney disease progression and cardiovascular disease and is commonly caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or glomerular disorders. Confirm with repeat testing and evaluate kidney function; management includes blood pressure and glucose control, ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy when indicated, lifestyle changes, and nephrology referral.

High creatinine often reflects reduced kidney function and can be asymptomatic early. When symptoms occur they include fatigue, weakness, decreased or foamy urine, swelling of ankles/legs (edema), shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, poor appetite, muscle cramps, and confusion or difficulty concentrating. Severe kidney impairment may cause sleep problems and unexplained itching. See a clinician for abnormal labs or concerning symptoms.