Prevalence and epidemiology of micro- and macroalbuminuria in Ethiopian diabetic patients

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the prevalence and epidemiology of micro- and macroalbuminuria in diabetic outpatients in Gondar, Ethiopia. Microalbuminuria was defined as a mean urinary albumin concentration of 30-299mg L-1 in morning urine of three consecutive visits. The frequency of micro- and macroalbuminuria was 32% and 15% in IDDM patients and 37% and 20% in NIDDM patients, respectively. When only patients with a duration of more than 5 years were considered, micro- and macroalbuminuria were prevalent in 33% and 23% of IDDM, and 36% and 31% of NIDDM patients, respectively. In multiple regression analysis, urinary albumin levels (log) were significantly associated with systolic blood pressure and duration in IDDM patients even when proteinuric patients were excluded from the analysis. In NIDDM patients duration and diastolic blood pressure were significant predictors of urinary albumin concentrations. In order to delay chronic complications, screening for microalbuminuria by stick-testing in urine should be introduced into routine laboratory practice in developing countries.