Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is among the most common chronic non-communicable diseases. The development of microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes increases the risk for renal and cardiovascular disease.

Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the Primary Health Care Clinics at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 334 Saudi with type 1 diabetes were randomly selected.

Results: Total of 334 patients with T2DM included in this study; 102 (30.5%) male and 232 (69.5%) female with mean age 25.8±3.4. MA was present in 99 (29.6%). MA was not significantly more prevalent in female (69.4%) with female predominance (sex ratio male: female) 1:2.3. HTN with MA was significantly more prevalent in 51(51.5%) of MA group with odd ratio 1.7 (1.2-2.4), p=0.001 with no siginificant difference between both gender. Patients with MA have significant higher HbA1c than patients with normal buminuria and there was a significant difference between gender (p< 0.0001) and when compared to HbA1c groups (p=0.002).

Conclusion: The frequency of microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes in this study is high. It is mandatory to have adequate diagnostic, therapeutic and educational resources in addition to competent physicians who can manage microalbuminuria in diabetic patients by using a continuing, comprehensive and coordinated approach.

Keywords : Type 1 diabetes; Microalbuminuria