Prevalence of Proteinuria among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus has been reported to be the primary cause of end-stage renal disease in some Asian and American countries. However, no such data were available among type 2 diabetic patients in North-Western Nigeria. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of proteinuria among type- 2 diabetic patients by measuring the total protein-to-creatinine ratio (TPCR) and to provide some possible recommendations to enhance the level of health care rendered to the patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Spot urine TPCR was performed on 182 diabetic patients who attended the diabetic clinic at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria, from January 2018 to December 2018. Other relevant parameters were extracted from the Chemical Pathology Department register, and the patients' case folders. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 23.0 (Chicago IL). Results: Among the total of 182 diabetic patients recruited during the study period, 66(36.3%) were males and 116(63.7%) were females. Out of the patients, (82)45.1% had hypertension; and (105)57.7% of the study population were obese. The overall prevalence of pathological proteinuria (TPCR ≥ 150 mg/mmol creatinine) was found in 116 (63.7%) of the study population. Conclusions: The prevalence of proteinuria is high in the study subjects (63.7%). The high prevalence observed might be a result of kidney disease in a primary healthcare setting. However, this study is a hospital-based finding with a small sample size, therefore, a larger study population size is recommended for future studies. Keywords: prevalence, proteinuria, type 2 diab