Asymptomatic Hyperuricemia in Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Northern Cameroon: Prevalence and Determinants

Introduction: Asymptomatic hyperuricemia (AHU) is a metabolic complication that worsens cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, particularly in type 2 diabetic patients (T2DM). Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the determinants of AHU in type 2 diabetic patients in the Northern region of Cameroon. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional and analytic study conducted over two years, from May 1st, 2023, to April 30th, 2025, focused on type 2 diabetic patients at the diabetic outpatient consultation unit of the Garoua General Hospital (GGH). We included all T2DM patient files with uric acid measurements during the study period. We excluded incomplete files, patients with gout, and those with symptoms of acute gout flares. The logistic regression model revealed the determinants of AHU with a significance threshold of 5%. Results: Of the 210 patients included, with a median age of 52 (IQR: 43 - 62) years, 58.57% were men. The median duration of T2DM was 5 (IQR: 2 - 9) years, with 85.78% having poor glycemic control (A1c > 7%). The prevalence (95% CI) of AHU in our study population was 40.48 (33.82 - 47.45)%. The identified determinants [aOR (95% CI), p] to AHU were a past history of obesity [1.99 (1.03 - 3.83), p = 0.040] and a glomerular filtration rate 2 [5.95 (1.51 - 23.38), p = 0.011]. Conclusion: The high prevalence of AHU and its determinants (obesity and GFR 2) require systematic screening and management to reduce cardiovascular risk.