Which is a sign of diabetic nephropathy?

Microalbuminuria is a significant early indicator of diabetic nephropathy, which is a complication commonly associated with diabetes mellitus. In diabetic nephropathy, the kidneys experience damage due to prolonged high blood sugar levels, leading to an abnormal increase in the excretion of small amounts of albumin in the urine. The presence of microalbuminuria, defined as elevated levels of albumin in the urine (usually measured in a 24-hour urine collection or a spot urine test), often precedes the development of overt nephropathy. Monitoring for microalbuminuria in diabetic patients is essential for early detection and intervention, potentially slowing the progression of kidney disease.

The other choices do not represent the earliest or most characteristic signs of diabetic nephropathy. For instance, increased urine output may occur due to various reasons unrelated to diabetic nephropathy, such as diabetes insipidus. Hematuria, or the presence of blood in urine, is not typical in diabetic nephropathy and can indicate other renal issues. Lastly, proteinuria with low sodium is less commonly associated with diabetic nephropathy and can result from other conditions affecting renal function. Thus, microalbuminuria serves as a vital marker for monitoring patients at risk of developing kidney complications due