Factors Associated with Diabetic Nephropathy in the Endocrinology Department of the Libreville University Hospital in 2023

Introduction: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of diabetes, due to its potential progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), of which it is the main cause. The aim of this study was to identify the main risk factors associated with DN. Methodology: Analytical cross-sectional study conducted between January 2022 and November 2024, including diabetic patients who consulted the CHUL endocrinology department and showed albuminuria or proteinuria, divided into two groups: those with DN and those without. The 2 groups were compared. Results: A total of 99 patients were included, predominantly women (sex ratio: 0.98). The mean age of the population was 59 ± 11 years, with extremes ranging from 29 to 78 years. DN was present in 45.45% of cases. In the DN group, the average age was 60 ± 11 years, and 52.38% had diabetes for more than 10 years, compared with 24.56% of controls. Arterial hypertension (AH) accounted for 69.05% in the DN group, versus 64.91% in controls. HbA1c above 7.5% accounted for 38.09% in the DN group, versus 56.14%. For chronic kidney disease (CKD), stage 3a accounted for 16.67% of patients in the DN group, versus 10.91%, and stage 3b for 7.14% versus 5.45%. No stage 5 DN was found in the control group. Factors significantly associated with DN were age (p = 0.01), family history (p Discussion: All in all, age and duration of diabetes are determinants of diabetic nephropathy, but cannot be controlled. On the other hand, glycemic control, blood pressure management and early nephrology follow-up represent major areas of intervention to prevent or slow the progression of this complication.