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Prevalence of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Muhammad Ahsan Sana1, Manahil Chaudhry2, Ayesha Malik3
1Medicine, CMH Lahore Medical College and Institute of Dentistry, Lahore, PAK.
Objective:
The presence of albumin in the urine is a marker of glomerular involvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), depicting diabetic nephropathy. Strict glycemic control can prevent and delay the occurrence of microalbuminuria and other diabetic complications. Therefore, we conducted a study to report the prevalence of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetics along with its association with diabetic control.
Methods:
A total of 133 patients with T2DM were consecutively included and their co-morbidities, body mass index, mode of treatment of diabetes (oral hypoglycemic drugs and/or insulin), duration since diagnosis of T2DM, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were recorded. A morning, mid-stream urine sample was collected and a urine spot for albumin:creatinine ratio (UACR) was assessed. Descriptive and analytic statistics were drawn with different variables and UACR values.
Results:
The mean age of the participants was 54.5 ± 10.3 years which included 60.9% males and 39.1% females. The overall incidence of diabetic nephropathy was 30.1%, with 25.6% having microalbuminuria and 4.5% having macroalbuminuria. Pearson correlation test was used to compare UACR and duration of diabetes (p=0.034) and HbA1c (p=0.001).
Conclusion:
UACR was higher in patients with uncontrolled T2DM (in terms of higher HbA1c value) and with a longer duration since diagnosis. We recommend that UACR should be inculcated in routine practice, annually, for all patients with T2DM for gauging the development of underlying renal involvement and prompt management.
Insights
Microalbuminuria, a marker of diabetic nephropathy, is prevalent in 25.6% of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Higher urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) indicates poorer glycemic control and longer diabetes duration, necessitating annual screening.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a significant complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- Albuminuria serves as a key indicator of glomerular damage in T2DM.
- Effective glycemic control is crucial for preventing diabetic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in T2DM patients.
- To investigate the association between microalbuminuria and glycemic control (HbA1c) and diabetes duration.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study included 133 T2DM patients.
- Data collected included comorbidities, BMI, diabetes treatment, duration, and HbA1c.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was assessed from spot urine samples.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was 30.1% (25.6% microalbuminuria, 4.5% macroalbuminuria).
- UACR showed a significant positive correlation with HbA1c levels (p=0.001).
- UACR also correlated significantly with the duration of diabetes (p=0.034).
Conclusions:
- Elevated UACR is associated with poorer glycemic control and longer diabetes duration in T2DM.
- Annual UACR screening is recommended for early detection and management of diabetic nephropathy.
- Integrating UACR assessment into routine T2DM care can aid in prompt renal involvement management.
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