In type 1 DM, Uric Acid as the early predictor of diabetic complications compared to microalbuminuria

There is constant search for an early marker for diabetic complications. Microalbuminuria [MA] is recognized as the early predictor of diabetic nephropathy [DN]. Increased levels of serum uric acid [SUA] can be seen in later part of diabetes at the onset of complications. This study was done to know the significance of SUA levels when compared with MA in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus [DM] patients. Microalbuminuria was estimated and compared with serum uric acid levels along with diabetic duration and HbA1c. Our results showed significantly increased mean levels of serum uric acid along with microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes. Uric acid and microalbuminuria were also significantly increased in diabetes with >10 years duration and with HbA1c >10. It is emphasized that SUA levels increase with the tissue injury, consequence of glomerular basement membrane damage eventually leading to microalbuminuria. Hence uric acid can be one of the early predictor along with microalbumnuria in early onset of complications like nephropathy. It may also be used as prognostic marker of diabetic complications in type 1 diabetes mellitus.