Renal function in diabetes mellitus

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Diabetology
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus in children can lead to long-term complications affecting renal function.
• Early detection of kidney damage is crucial for managing pediatric diabetes.
• Assessing glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, and blood pressure are key indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate renal function in children with diabetes mellitus.
• To correlate renal parameters with glycaemic control, disease duration, and age.
• To identify sensitive early markers for renal damage in this population.

Main Methods:

• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), day and night-time albumin excretion, and blood pressure were measured in 83 children with diabetes.
• Parameters were compared with glycaemic control (HbA1c, mean blood sugar, M value), age, and disease duration.
• Normal values were established using age-matched controls.

Main Results:

• GFR was elevated and correlated with disease duration.
• Daytime albumin excretion correlated with disease duration and HbA1c.
• Night-time albumin excretion was significantly elevated, correlating with disease duration, HbA1c, mean blood sugar, and M value.
• Diastolic blood pressure was elevated but showed no correlation with other variables.

Conclusions:

• Abnormalities in renal function are confirmed in children attending a diabetic clinic.
• Elevated night-time albumin excretion is a sensitive early indicator of renal damage in pediatric diabetes.
• Monitoring overnight albumin excretion may aid in early detection and management of diabetic nephropathy in children.