Prevalence of microalbuminuria in Type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (negative by strip test)

Abstract

       Diabetic Nephropathy and end-stage renal failure are still a major cause of mortality amongst patients with diabetes mellitus. Microalbuminuria has been shown to be a strong predictor of progressive renal disorders and a potent risk marker for cardiovascular disease. However the prevalence of microalbuminuria in DM type 2 patients in Thai people is less certain. Thus, we examined the prevalence of microalbuminuria in DM. patients in Lampang Hospital study. Two hundred seventy patients with DM type 2 attending to outpatient medical unit were randomly selected. In a first interview, a strip test for protein was performed on a singe-spot morning urine sample (no hematuria). The patient was excluded if proteinuria was present; if proteinuria was absent an microalbuminuria and creatinine were performed by automated chemistry analyzer. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio was calculated. Blood sample was obtained to determine glucose and HbA1C. Prevalence of microalbuminuria (MA) was 24.8%, normal function (NF) was found in 66.2% and overt nephropathy (ON) in 9%, Fasting Blood glucose and HbA1C were poorly controlled in all groups.

       Conclusion: Microalbuminuria; the presence of low but abnormal levels of albumin in the urine is the earliest sign of nephropathy and specific to diabetic nephropathy. Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2008; 41: 103-110.