ABSTRACT
Background: Studies in the western literature show a linear relationship between degree of microalbuminuria and body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and duration of diabetes. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with age, sex, body mass index, serum creatinine level and development of diabetic retinopathy in Indian population. Materials and Methods: Sixty one (35 males and 26 females) with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus of duration of six months and negative for albumin in urine by albustic method were included in study. Detailed clinical history was taken followed by a thorough physical examination that included neurological examination and fundoscopic examination. Micral test was used for estimation of microalbuminuria. Results: Overall prevalence of microalbuminuria in the present study is 54.09%. Among the patients with microalbuminuria, 24 males and 9 were females. Pearson correlation of microalbuminuria with age showed statisestically significant linear relationship. Gender-wise correlation analysis of microalbuminuria show statistical significant high prevalence of microalbuminuria in male. Correlation of microalbuminuria with body mass index was not significant (p>0.05). Serum creatinine is also not correlated with microalbuminuria statistically. Incidence of microalbuminuria increases with age as well as with increased duration of diabetes mellitus. There is no effect of body mass index on the prevalence of microalbuminuria. Development of changes of diabetic retinopathy is associated with microalbuminuria and this correlation is statistically significant ( p<0.05 ). Conclusion: Microalbuminuria occurs commonly in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics and it is associated with development of diabetic retinopathy. Screening for this associated factor of diabetic nephropathy is recommended as a routine in all newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients to prevent further renal damage. Our finding supports routine screening for microalbuminuria as part of the initial evaluation of these patients.