First post-diagnosis checkup

[Annalise]

Ny six-year-old son just had his first post-diagnosis checkup and the followup letter arrived in the mail today.  It says his A1c is 7.6%, which, from what I understand is pretty good.  And it says his thyroid function and lipid profile are normal.  What I don't understand is the microalbumin/creatine ratio.  I looked in our diabetes book and all over the Internet, and I can't seem to find a scale or chart that shows ranges for what is an acceptable number. He took a simple, in-office urine test.  From what I can tell, there are several kinds of tests for microalbumin/creatine, which is why I can't figure out what his number means.  My son did get the all-clear from the doctor, whom we don't have to see for another three months.  Any guidance would be appreciated! (since it's Saturday and the endo's office is closed)

[JDRF Volunteer WAK]

With certian tests, each lab has their normal ranges.  Check with your Doctors office on Monday for the specific details.  We have used 2 different labs and they had different ranges. take care. If you need us we are herer to help.

wendy

[JDRF-Team-gg]

Hi Annalise!  First of all, I want to commend you for being involved with your son's diabetic care.  It is so very important that the children know that they are not alone in dealing with their diabetes, especially in the beginning, and it's great that you came to us for help.  I checked out the medhelp website and did a search on microalbumin.  The information given listed the normal values for microalbuminuria to be 30 to 200 mg/day.  That may be what you are looking for.  I am a mom of a 16 year old who was diagnosed at the age of 21 months and I found it very informative.  JDRF is also a great resource that I can recommend to you.  If you aren't involved with JDRF already, I urge you to do so.  It's a great organization that is there for you and your family.  If you need any information on how to find your local chapter, just let me know.  Hang in there & keep up the good work!

[JDRF-Team-LRS]

Analise,
Your son's first check up is, indeed a good result.  Do encourage your son for doing his part to achieve this good result and try to reinforce what a GOOD thing he's been doing for his long term health.  Munchkins rarely understand "the future" like that, but over time, he'll internalize those ideas.

As you pointed out, there are a few urine tests that might've been done, so it's best to call the doc on Monday to ask what the normal range ... for the particular lab s/he used ... is.  Seems that different labs use slightly different testing techniques, so that the "lab normal" from one lab won't be the same as that from another.

I've had diabetes for ~33 years, and so it's been a long time since I was a "kid" with diabetes.  Currently, many endos are recommending an ACE inhibitor medication to protect diabetics' kidneys (and thus help ensure good urine test results for us).
I'm not an MD, and I don't how young a DMer can be for this prevention to be considered, so perhaps you can talk to your endo about it at an upcoming visit.

On the JDRF website, if you click the RESEARCH button, you'll be able to pull up a couple of reports on this subject.  Here are the titles of 2 that you might find useful.

(1) Research Provides Leads on Blocking Diabetic Kidney Disease: ACE Inhibitors:  12.04.2002 and
(2)Avoidance And Reversal Of Complications