Microalbumin refers to small amounts of the protein albumin that are detected in the urine, usually through a sensitive microalbumin urine test or albumin-to-creatinine ratio. In healthy individuals, the kidneys prevent significant protein from leaking into the urine, so even modest elevations in urinary albumin can signal early kidney damage, particularly in people with diabetes or hypertension. Persistent microalbuminuria is often an early marker of diabetic nephropathy and increased cardiovascular risk. Clinicians monitor microalbumin levels to guide treatment decisions, such as tightening blood sugar control, optimizing blood pressure medications, and using ACE inhibitors or ARBs. For insurance underwriting, the presence of microalbumin suggests early renal impairment and heightened long-term risk, prompting underwriters to review renal function labs, diabetes control, and blood pressure history carefully.

In underwriting practice, microalbumin results usually appear in lab panels ordered by the carrier or in attending physician statements for clients with diabetes or long-standing hypertension. Underwriters look for normal versus mildly, moderately, or severely elevated microalbumin levels, as persistent elevations may warrant table ratings or more conservative offers. Advisors working with diabetic clients may be asked to obtain recent lab reports or physician notes that comment on microalbumin trends and treatment plans. If microalbumin improves following better glucose and blood pressure control, some carriers will revisit prior rating decisions at reconsideration or policy review. Producers can help clients understand that microalbumin is an early warning sign, not necessarily a reason for automatic decline, but that it does indicate the need for ongoing monitoring and aggressive management of cardiovascular and renal risk factors.