Assessment of Renal Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nephropathy is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidities among type 2 diabetic patients globally. Early detection through regular screening for micro-albuminuria has proven immense value. This study aims to assess renal function status of type 2 diabetic patients in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria. Method: This study involves 132 type 2 diabetic patients and 50 apparently healthy controls. Blood specimens were used to assay plasma creatinine, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), urea levels and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), while early morning midstream urine was collected for albumin and creatinine. Albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated. Data were analysed using SPSS 15.0. Variables were expressed as mean ±SD. Student T-test was used to compare means, and p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: When compared to controls, diabetic patients had significantly higher (p<0.05) BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, ACR, mean urine albumin excretion, FPG, and HbA1c. However, the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the cases was significantly lower (p<0.05) than in the control. Furthermore, serum creatinine, HbA1c, FPG, and eGFR increased significantly (p<0.05) in normal, micro, and macro-albuminuric type 2 diabetic patients compared to controls. Conclusion: When compared to prior studies, our study found an alarming increase in the incidence of diabetic nephropathy in our sample population. This necessitates immediate intervention in the management of type 2 diabetic patients through early screening for micro- and macro-albuminuria via tight and good glycaemic control techniques. Keywords: type 2 diabetes, renal function, albuminuria