Microalbuminuria and the metabolic syndrome in obese type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: The metabolic syndrome which in recent times has been associated with obesity is known to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is still believed that the metabolic derangements associated with the metabolic syndrome have not yet been fully elucidated. One of the catastrophic sequelae of diabetes is renal impairment. The progression of renal disease appears to be faster in the group of diabetics with the metabolic syndrome. Aim: This study looks at a possible association between metabolic syndrome and gross renal derangement through possible detection of microalbuminuria in patients with metabolic syndrome. Method: In this prospective study, 120 subjects were recruited, comprising 30 obese type 2 diabetics (with the metabolic syndrome), 30 obese type 2 diabetics (without metabolic syndrome), 30 non-obese type 2 diabetics (without metabolic syndrome), and 30 non-obese, non-diabetic individuals recruited as controls. Standard criteria for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome were used. Microalbuminuria was determined using 24-hour urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (mg/g). Result: Group A (obese diabetics with the metabolic syndrome) had mean ALB: CR ratio of 48±3 mg/g. The difference between the mean ALB: CR ratio of Group A (48±3 mg/g) and that of the control Group-D (16±2 mg/g) was statistically significant, P0.05. Conclusion: The metabolic syndrome has been found to be positively associated with microalbuminuria. Microalbuminuria may be one of the components of the metabolic syndrome in obese type 2 diabetes. Keywords: Microalbuminuria, Metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes Port Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 2 (1) 2007: pp. 61-66