ABSTRACT
ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between microalbuminuria and early atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe measured the combined intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries and the inner diameter (ID) of tibia artery with high resolution ultrasound in 30 type 2 diabetic patients,and compared with 13 age-matched non-diabetics as control.The diabetic patients were subgrouped into DM-A subjects whose urinary albumin excretion were normal,and DM-B subjects who were with microalbuminuria,and DM-C subjects who with macroalbuminuria.ResultsThe results showed that the IMT values were greater in diabetic patients than in control subjects(0.65±0.12 mm vs 0.48±0.06mm,P<0.001),and greater in group of DM-B and DM-C than in group of DM-A.The ID of tibia artery were smaller in diabetic subjects than in controls (1.98±0.49mm vs 2.45±0.30mm,P<0.01),and smaller in DM-B and DM-C group than DM-A.Besides,multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that the risk factors for IMT and ID of tibia artery of type 2 diabetes were diabetic duration,total cholesterol levels,blood pressure and urinary albumin excretion.ConclusionIt can be concluded that microalbuminuria is related to atherosclerosis at early stage of the disease process.