Diagnostic Yield of Urinary Microalbuminuria in the Early Detection of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to promote awareness among patients and healthcare professionals regarding the importance of early detection and management of diabetic nephropathy. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bolan Medical College Quetta and Jhalawan Medical College Khuzdar from February 2024 to January 2025, involving 282 type 2 diabetes patients aged ≥35 years, selected via non-probability consecutive sampling. After IRB approval and written consent, patients with pregnancy or other kidney diseases were excluded. Data collected included age, sex, blood pressure, diabetes duration, and urine tests. Midstream urine samples were tested for microalbuminuria using Micral test strips. Color change indicated results. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with Chi-square and t-tests applied to assess associations.Results: The mean age of patients was 54.2 ± 9.6 years, with a mean diabetes duration of 8.7 ± 5.1 years. There were 158 males (56.0%) and 124 females (44.0%). All patients were on antidiabetic therapy: 153 (54.3%) on oral agents, 59 (20.9%) on insulin, and 70 (24.8%) on both. Hypertension was present in 176 patients (62.4%) with a mean duration of 6.3 ± 4.0 years. Micral testing revealed no microalbuminuria in 189 (67.0%), positive results in 83 (29.4%), and strong positive in 10 (3.6%). Overall, microalbuminuria was detected in 93 patients (33.0%). Conclusion: Microalbuminuria was detected in one-third of type 2 diabetes patients, significantly associated with hypertension and diabetes duration. Routine screening enables early diagnosis and timely management of diabetic nephropathy.

Keywords: Diabetic Nephropathy, Micral Test, Microalbuminuria, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Urinary Albumin Excretion