Factors associated with microalbuminuria in non-hypertensive type-2 diabetes patients

Introduction. Microalbuminuria is a well known risk factor for renal damage and for cardiovascular disease in type-2 diabetic patients. Objective. To evaluate anthropometric, laboratory, and diet factors related to the presence of microalbuminuria in non-hypertensive type 2 diabetic subjects. Material and methods. We carry-out an assessment of a group of nonhypertensive diabetic patients with or without microalbuminuria. Some anthropometric measures, physical fitness, tobacco and alcohol consumption, creatinine clearance, HbAc, lipid profile, the mean fast serum glucose levels in last two years, 24 h urine protein, and caloric intake were all measured. Results. From 86 included patients, 19 had microalbuminuria; it was related with the length of diabetes mellitus duration (114 +/- 55 vs. 84 +/- 67 months; p = 0.03), higher HbA(1)c level (8.9 vs. 7.1%; p = 0.001), and lower HDL-cholesterol levels (37.7 +/- 11 vs. 42.9 +/- 12 mg/dL; p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis HbAc level, and mean fast glucose remained significant. Conclusions. In non-hypertensive diabetic subjects, poor glucose control, and longer disease duration were both related with microalbuminuria. Moreover, caloric intake, exercise, tobacco or alcohol consumption, or BMI did not show association with microalbuminuria.