Prevalence and predictors of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional observational study in Kumasi, Ghana

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of microalbuminuria in diabetics in Kumasi, Ghana. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional study of diabetic patients. Subjects: Patients with diabetes, 20 to 78 years of age. Main Outcome Measures: Microalbuminuria Methods: All patients (109) attending an outpatient diabetic clinic at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Diabetes Centre in Kumasi, Ghana from January to July 2005 were enrolled in the study. Results: The mean overall age of the cohort was 54.1 +/- 10.9 years, and 28% were male. The proportion of subjects who had microalbuminuria was 43.1% (n=47). The median duration of diabetes before development of microalbuminuria was 10 years. Duration of diabetes, blood urea nitrogen, serum concentration of creatinine, and triglyceride were significantly higher in patients with microalbuminuria (P <.05). Urinary potassium concentration and fractional excretion of potassium were also significantly higher in the patients with microalbuminuria. Conclusions: The prevalence of microalbuminuria in patients with diabetes in this study was 43%. Significant predictors of microalbuminuria included duration of diabetes and serum concentration of creatinine. To reduce renal failure among these patients, strategies to mitigate its occurrence are needed. This includes strict glycemic control, control of hypertension, and the early blockade of the renin-angiotensin system.