Objective:
Diabetic nephropathy is a non-communicable progressive disease which is the reason of high mortality rates in Pakistan. The study aims to detect early markers in diabetic nephropathy.
Methods:
An observational study was conducted Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. The duration of study was one year. A total of 100 patients were selected in the study. The selection was done by distributing a questionnaire containing particulars age, gender, history of blood pressure, weight and socio economic status. Blood films were prepared after collecting blood samples for the determination of plasma glucose, serum creatinine and blood urea. Urine sample was also obtained for the screening of microalbuminuria which was supposed to be the first marker of diabetic nephropathy.
Results:
A total of 100 patients were selected with 60% male and 40 % female. The mean age of the patients were 50 years. 75% were the patients of diabetes and hypertension while 25% were only diabetic. The prevalence of microalbuminuria was present in 42% males and 58 % females. It was analyzed that duration of diabetes, serum glucose level and blood pressure correlates with microalbuminuria. Serum urea and creatinine was also raised in 27% patients.
Conclusion:
Microalbuminuria is an early marker of diabetic nephropathy. Hence in order to prevent this communicable disease, all diabetic patients should be screened routinely.