Chronic Kidney Disease and Related Conditions in a Roma Population with Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction Roma minority is one of the largest ethnic group in Romania with some particularities regarding their health status and their metabolic profile. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors associated with CKD in Roma patients with diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods The study population consisted of 258 Roma adults' participants, 134 (51.9%) males and 124 (48.1%) females, aged between 18 and 86 years. We assed anthropometric parameters and performed biochemical analyses, including: fasting serum lipids fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), liver function tests. Renal function (creatinine, urea, eRFG) was evaluated in all participants. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) was determined in a random urine specimen. Results CKD was found in 46.5% patients (n=120), 48.6% with T1DM (n=17), and 46.2% with T2DM (n=103). Patients with T1DM and CKD had a statistic significantly longer duration of diabetes, without differences regarding the area of residence, smoking status, the presence of hypertension, the severity of obesity and concurrent diabetic neuropathy or retinopathy. Patients with T2DM and CKD were older, greater proportion of hypertension, diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, significantly longer duration of diabetes. Conclusions Our study showed a high prevalence of CKD and cardiovascular risk factors among Roma people with diabetes mellitus. Most of the patients fail to achieve the treatment goals regarding BP, lipid profile and HbA1c, emphasizing the need of stronger interventions.