Assessing the Relationship Between Glycemic Control and the Development of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major global health concern, with microalbuminuria serving as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy. Poor glycemic control accelerates kidney damage, increasing the risk of end-stage renal disease. Identifying the relationship between glycemic control and microalbuminuria is crucial for early intervention and prevention of renal complications. Objective: To assess the association between glycemic control and the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with T2DM. Study Design and Setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore over six months. Methodology: A total of 150 T2DM patients aged 30–70 years with a minimum diabetes duration of five years were included. Glycemic control was assessed using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and microalbuminuria was evaluated using the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Patients were categorized into three glycemic control groups: well-controlled (HbA1c <7%), moderately controlled (7–9%), and poorly controlled (>9%). The association between HbA1c levels and microalbuminuria was analyzed using the chi-square test. Results: Microalbuminuria was detected in 30% of patients, while 10% had macroalbuminuria. Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with higher microalbuminuria prevalence (p<0.001), with 42.5% of poorly controlled patients exhibiting microalbuminuria compared to 16% in the well- controlled group. Conclusion: Poor glycemic control is significantly associated with microalbuminuria in T2DM patients, emphasizing the need for stringent glycemic management to prevent diabetic nephropathy.