Renal function in black Americans with type II diabetes.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Endocrinology
• Diabetology

Background:

• Type II diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern.
• Renal complications significantly impact patient outcomes in diabetes.
• Understanding renal function changes in Black individuals with Type II diabetes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate renal function, specifically glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (RPF), in Black individuals with Type II diabetes.
• To assess the prevalence of hyperfiltration and its association with diabetes duration.
• To examine the relationship between diabetes duration and declining renal function.

Main Methods:

• Studied 72 Black individuals diagnosed with Type II diabetes mellitus.
• Measured GFR using I125 iothalamate clearance.
• Measured RPF using I131 hippuran clearance.

Main Results:

• Hyperfiltration (GFR ≥ 140 ml/min/1.73m2) was observed in 6 of 18 individuals with recent-onset diabetes (≤ 1 year).
• The prevalence of hyperfiltration decreased with increasing diabetes duration; none had hyperfiltration after 10 years.
• Longer diabetes duration correlated with an increased incidence of low GFR, independent of age.

Conclusions:

• Type II diabetes in Black individuals can lead to hyperfiltration, mirroring findings in Type I diabetes.
• Progressive decline in renal function is a significant issue for Black individuals with Type II diabetes.
• Diabetes duration is a critical factor influencing renal function trajectory in this population.