The prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic levels in Singapore and many parts of Asia. One of the most costly and life-crippling health burdens that diabetes brings is on the kidneys. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in developed countries around the world. As we commemorate World Diabetes Day this November 14 with the theme "Preventing Kidney Disease in Diabetes", the call for early detection and treatment of Microalbuminuria to lower the risk of overt diabetic nephropathy becomes more imperative.

Microalbuminuria is considered the silent killer of diabetic patients as the condition often goes undetected till the patient develops end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Studies have shown that diabetic ESRD patients are at particularly high risk of cardiovascular complications. In terms of cardiac failure, diabetic ESRD patients are twice as likely to suffter from the fatal condition as compared to non-diabetic ESRD patient. Ischaemic heart disease is also more prevalent in diabetic ESRD patients than non-diabetic patients.

Symptoms of Diabetes