[Serum beta 2 microglobulin assay in diabetes mellitus (author's transl)].

Beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) is continuously produced and subsequently almost exclusively eliminated by glomerular filtration (GRF). There is a strong correlation between serum beta 2m and serum creatinine concentrations. Beta 2m assay however seems to enhance diagnostic accuracy of minor decreases in GRF. Serum beta 2m concentrations were assayed in 193 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus. They correlated well with serum creatinine. Supranormal serum beta 2m concentrations (greater than 2.4 micrograms/lm) were found in 15.5% of patients with normal serum creatinine. Increase in beta 2 m/was related to poor metabolic control of diabetes and correlated positively with glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations. Serum beta 2m concentrations were also related to the duration of recognized diabetes. Serum beta 2m assay allows early detection of GRF disorders in patients with diabetes mellitus. Such disorders may be partly reversible once metabolic control is improved.