The Prevalence of Microalbuinuria & Associated Risk Factors at the Time of Diagnosis among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Background: 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, this study evaluated the prevalence of microalbuinuria & associated risk factors at the timi e of diagnosis among type 2 diabetic patients in Rajshahi city.

Methods: Between January 2019 and December 2019, a cross-sectional analytical study was collaboratively undertaken by the Department of Physiology at Rajshahi Medical College and the Diabetic Association Hospital in Rajshahi. Following an initial evaluation, patients underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for a conclusive diagnosis of DM. Subsequently, subjects were subjected to rigorous screening procedures based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Study group A consisted of 80 diabetic subjects, while an equivalent number of age- and gender-matched non-diabetic individuals were recruited for study group B, with participants drawn from hospital staff, patients' relatives, and volunteers, resulting in a total of 80 participants in each group.

Results: The study findings showed that among the healthy adult group, 85% had normal fasting blood sugar (FBS), while 15% had impaired fasting sugar (IFG). Conversely, in the diabetic group, none had normal FBS or IFG. The mean urine microalbumin level was significantly higher in the diabetic group (24.63±14.75 mg/day) compared to the control group (11.59±5.41 mg/day), indicating abnormal levels in about one-third of diabetic respondents versus none in the healthy group. Additionally, all healthy adults had normal urine spot microalbumin levels, whereas 25 diabetic respondents exceeded normal levels.

Conclusion: Newly diagnosed diabetic patients showed higher levels of urine microalbumin compared to healthy adults, suggesting potential early markers for diabetic nephropathy. However, further large-scale prospective studies are required to confirm their clinical usefulness for routine screening.