Comparative Analysis of Serum Creatinine and Albuminuria as Biomarkers for Diabetic Nephropathy in Young Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Diabetic nephropathy is a significant complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and early detection is crucial for management and treatment. Objective: This study compares serum creatinine and albuminuria as biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy in young patients with T2DM. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 at Square Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 105 Bangladeshi patients aged 18 to 30 years, diagnosed with T2DM, were included. Data collected included demographic information, clinical characteristics, and family history of diabetes. Serum creatinine and albuminuria levels were measured and analyzed. Results: The study population comprised 52.4% males and 47.6% females. Education levels were higher secondary (42.9%), graduate (38.1%), and post-graduate (19.0%). A family history of diabetes was present in 66.7% of patients. Serum creatinine levels were normal in 42.9%, elevated in 33.3%, and high in 23.8% of patients. Albuminuria levels were normal in 47.6%, with 33.3% having microalbuminuria and 19.1% having macroalbuminuria. There was a significant correlation between longer duration of diabetes and elevated serum creatinine (p=0.004) as well as higher albuminuria levels (p=0.002). Elevated and high serum creatinine levels were significantly associated with microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria (p=0.008). Conclusion: Both serum creatinine and albuminuria are effective biomarkers for detecting diabetic nephropathy in young patients with T2DM. Elevated and high levels of these biomarkers are strongly associated with a longer duration of diabetes, indicating their potential use in early detection and management of diabetic nephropathy in this population.