An Evidence-Based Practice Protocol for the Diagnosis and Management of Microalbuminuria in the Diabetic Patient

Diabetes is the single most common cause of end-stage renal disease in the United States and Europe. Advanced practice nurses have the tools to review research and make clinical practice changes based on that evidence to provide effective quality care to their diabetic patients. Knowledge of microalbuminuria, how to screen for it, diagnose it, and manage it, are all a part of the advance practice nurse's role in diabetes management. This article is an office-specific protocol that can be used by all health care providers and includes algorithms for the screening and management of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients.