title: Factors influencing the estimation of the albumin excretion rate in subjects with diabetes mellitus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate alternative methods of calculating the albumin excretion rate (AER) in the absence of complete and accurate patient documentation, since microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with serious complications and since patients often make errors in recording the volume and timing of urine collection, making AER calculations inaccurate.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Recruitment sites, including all native reserves, across southern Alberta.
  
  
  METHODS
  Population-based group of 1286 subjects with diabetes mellitus participating in the Southern Alberta Study of Diabetic Retinopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Timed AERs were measured in the subjects; urinary albumin concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay.
  
  
  METHODS
  A formula for the prediction of AER was based on the clinical data from the subjects. Several factors were considered in developing the formula: insulin-using status, weight, sex and urine and serum creatinine concentrations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A mathematical model for estimation of the AER was developed; incorporation of insulin use, sex and weight provides a more accurate estimate of AER. According to this model, women typically appear to have a lower AER than men and heavier people appear to have a higher AER than people with lower body weight.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of mathematical formulae to calculate the AER provides an accurate estimate of the AER, particularly when data related to the volume and timing of urine collection are missing. These formulae will be valuable in large epidemiologic screening programs.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alta.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Fick
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Alima
mesh_terms: D000416:Alberta; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000652:urine*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001835:Body Weight; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000652:urine*; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000652:urine; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007700:Kinetics; D008297:Male; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012727:Sex Characteristics
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin