Abstract P3025: Evaluating the Correlation Between Urinary Microalbumin (ACR), Serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency. Over the past 35 years, the incidence of DM has nearly quadrupled, contributing to around 1 million deaths in 2019, with cardiovascular complications as a leading cause. Current management strategies in type 2 DM patients focus on early detection of cardiovascular risk markers, such as urinary microalbumin and serum C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which are cost-effective and minimally invasive. Objectives: To determine the correlation between urinary microalbumin, serum CRP, and albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) with traditional cardiovascular risk markers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: The study included 87 clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on oral antidiabetic medication, aged 35 to 60 years, and with normal serum creatinine levels. After obtaining informed consent, blood and urine samples were collected to assess blood glucose, serum CRP, renal profile, lipid profile, liver function tests, and urinary microalbumin. Albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were calculated. Results: Comparison of profiles in the study revealed a significant decrease in serum HDL levels, a higher TG: HDL ratio, elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and a raised atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) in cases with CRP ≥ 0.3 mg/dL compared to those with CRP < 0.3 mg/dL. Conversely, serum albumin (p<0.01), ALT, and A:G ratio were decreased in cases with CRP ≥ 0.3 mg/dL. MAU and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were elevated in cases with ACR ≥ 30 mg/g (p<0.01) compared to those with ACR < 30 mg/g. Pearson’s correlation with CRP showed a negative correlation with total protein, albumin (p=0.01), A:G ratio, and hemoglobin, while BUN and serum ALP showed a positive correlation with CRP. ACR correlated positively with MAU (p=0.01) and negatively with albumin (p=0.05), with both correlations being statistically significant. These results demonstrate an association between urinary microalbumin (ACR), serum CRP, atherogenic index of plasma, and cardiovascular risk markers in type 2 DM. Conclusion: The study suggests that spot microalbuminuria and serum CRP are correlate well with traditional cardiovascular risk markers and can be used as screening tools for cardiovascular disease in DM patients. These markers are inexpensive, minimally invasive and can warrant for timely intervention's.