Factors associated with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients in Nan Hospital, Thailand

Abstract

Objective: To determine risk factors associated with microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients.

Method: This retrospective study was performed on 198 patients with type 2 diabetes attending the diabetes clinic at Nan Hospital in Northern Thailand. Basic information (i.e., gender, age, weight, body mass index) of patients and factors associated with microalbuminuria [i.e., fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), low-density lipoprotein, blood pressure, urine microalbuminuria, serum creatinine, foot problem, eye problem] were investigated. Comparisons of mean were performed using the Student’s t-tests, and comparisons of proportions using the chi-square tests. Binary logistic regression and odds ratio analyses were performed to determine the relationship between microalbuminuria and risk factors while adjusting for covariates.

Results: Of the 198 diabetes patients, the majority were females (54.6%). The prevalence of microalbuminuria was 36.4% and of hypertension was 32.8%. The mean serum creatinine of the microalbuminuric group was significantly higher than the normoalbuminuric group (p<0.001). The prevalence of hypertension in the microalbuminuric group was higher than that in the normoalbuminuric group (38.9% and 29.4%, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.171). The strong risk factors for the development of microalbuminuria were gender (higher for females; OR = 2.25, p=0.025), elevated HbA1C (OR = 1.44, p=0.015) and serum creatinine (OR = 7.41, p<0.001).

Conclusion: High level of HbA1C was a risk factor for the development of microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients. Early detection for diabetic nephropathy and aggressive management of this factor may be essential in preventing or delaying the progression to end-stage renal disease.