Evaluation of Collagen IV Levels in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Varying Degrees of Albuminuria

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). This study aims to evaluate the levels of urinary Collagen IV (COL IV) in T2DM patients and to explore correlations between COL IV and varying degrees of albuminuria, alongside other clinical parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 220 T2DM patients divided into three groups based on albuminuria: Group A (Normoalbuminuria <29 mg/day), Group B (Microalbuminuria 30–300 mg/day), and Group C (Macroalbuminuria >300 mg/day). COL IV levels were measured and analyzed in correlation with fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBS), HbA1c, serum creatinine, albumin/creatinine ratio, blood urea, eGFR, and total protein. Results: Group C (Macroalbuminuria) exhibited significantly higher levels of COL IV (117.79±11.73 mg/g) compared to Groups A and B. Statistically significant correlations were found between COL IV and PPBS, blood urea, serum creatinine, and eGFR. However, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c did not show significant correlations with COL IV. Conclusion: The study suggests that urinary COL IV levels increase with the severity of albuminuria in T2DM patients. COL IV may serve as a useful biomarker for early detection and monitoring of renal dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy.