Urine Microalbumin and other Nephropathy Markers in Yemeni Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, it can be detected early by periodic laboratory investigations in particular urine microalbumin and urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR). Aim: To assess the levels of urine microalbumin, ACR and other nephropathy markers in Yemeni diabetic type 2 patients. Methods: A random sample of 50 Yemeni diabetic patients who had not to develop any signs of nephropathy was included in this study. The subjects were selected during visit the DM unit at the internal medicine department in Al-Thawra hospital, Sana`a-Yemen. The sample includes 36 males and 14 females. The laboratory investigations were performed on early-morning samples of the subjects and included random blood sugar (RBS), serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), ACR and urine microalbumin. Results: The mean levels of the 5 tested parameters in both male and female subjects were higher than normal levels. The difference in such parameters was significant between males and females in SCr, BUN and urine microalbumin while found insignificant in RBS and ACR. Conclusion: The levels of DN markers including urine microalbumin, ACR, SCr and BUN are high in Yemeni diabetic type 2 patients which indicates a high prevalence of early stage of nephropathy. The levels of urine microalbumin, SCr and BUN are significantly higher in male subjects.